Chinese Traditional Crafts in Singapore

CHINESE TRADITIONAL CRAFTS IN SINGAPORE

[2023]

BA Design Dissertation 2022/2023
Institution: Goldsmiths University of London
Written and designed by Megan Lim

210mm x 297mm (A4)
26 pp Hand bound (Stab Binding)

Printed on:
Shepherds Canaletto 160gsm
Shepherds Context Natural 135gsm
Tracing Paper 112gsm
Xuan Paper
Joss Paper

Despite recent preservation attempts by various agencies, Chinese Traditional Crafts continue to be sunset industries in Singapore as we see them close down one by one due to reasons such as a lack of business/income (leading to their inability to pay rent), a lack of successors (these are often family businesses passed on from one generation to the next) and the old age of craftsmen (making them unable to work properly).

As a fellow craftsperson, I have always enjoyed observing what goes on behind the scenes, appreciating ones attention to detail. What stands out to me in works is the process – the time and effort that results in the final outcome. As an aspect and experience that I can personally attest to, it hurts to see artisans not having their works appreciated anymore. Nonetheless, I cannot help but think that everything has an expiry date, that obsoletion is inevitable. So why are we so insistent on clinging onto them – Like having a patient on life support, are we trying too hard to keep them alive?

My goal is to analyse the reasons as to why they are dying out, to understand why it is so important to preserve them: What is the inherent value of these crafts, for the people, and for the country?