Sports meet culture through the vibrant lens of risograph and screen-printing at a sports-centric arts programme, in partnership with Singapore Sports Museum.
Imagine a printing technique that blends the charm of vintage aesthetics with modern efficiency. Meet risograph printing! In a nutshell, risograph printing is a form of high-speed stencil printing, designed for high volume photocopying or printouts.
“Think of risograph printing as a stencil duplicator. It’s a mix between semi-analogue and digital printing, and also a cross between silkscreen printing and lithography”, explains Marl, co-founder of Knuckles & Notch, a Creative Studio and Risograph Press tucked away at Waterloo Street.
“For example, if you want to print six colours, you’ll need to create six stencils in total. It operates through a machine, instead of using a single frame with all the colours. Compared to laser prints, risographs feature brighter spot colours and a more tactile feel”, she adds.
A closer peek at the risograph machine and colour drums.
Creative and sporting inspirations
Being an unorthodox and rather uncommon form of printing, you might wonder what inspired their risograph journey? Well, it all started at an art book fair in New York.
“I stumbled upon these prints there. I thought they were silkscreen printouts at first, but the person manning the booth told me they were risographs instead. I did my research, and it soon became an obsession”, chimes in Djohan, the other co-founder of the local risograph studio.
Compared to silkscreen printing, risographs are in fact easier to produce, though it does come with its own set of challenges. “Risographs are less labour-intensive comparatively, and it also enables you to print larger quantities in less time compared to silk screen printing”, Marl continues.
“That said, we do encounter misaligned layers from time to time. Meaning we will need to troubleshoot the cause by ‘running’ the machine to identify the pattern. It can be stressful, but it’s also more fun because it compels you to think,” Djohan exclaims with a smile.
If you are starting to get excited about risographs, then good news is at hand! In partnership with Singapore Sports Hub, Knuckles & Notch will be presenting a special programme – titled Make Your Mark, packed with fun-filled interactive activities at the Singapore Sports Museum.
While they may be visual artists, Marl and Djohan do have an affinity for sports too. “I love to swim, while Djohan skate-boards and runs when he has time. With more people adopting a healthy lifestyle, this exhibition is perfect for them to learn more about risographs as well as sports”, she says. Fun fact: Marl used to clinch gold for her NAPFA (National Physical Fitness Award) static stations, while Djohan was an active hockey player in secondary school.
“We believe in staying active as not only does it improve our physical health, but our mental health as well. It helps to boost endorphins and in turn, it makes us happier people.”
Unleash your creativity
The programme will run from 22 February to 11 May 2025. What’s more, visitors can look forward to art exhibits, workshops, hands-on experiences and even the opportunity to take home their self-made risographs. Here are some of the activities:
Out for Lunch: Sport Hub edition
One of the programme’s highlights is the specially curated Out for Lunch: Sport Hub edition risograph newsletter, which is a different spin to Knuckles & Notch’s usual annual newsletter.
Participants can pick up the complimentary bulletin and embark on an exciting hunt across three different stamping stations. They’ll need to (re)create an artwork to complete the sports-themed newsletter, which features fun sporting facts and a brain-teasing crossword puzzle!
This unique edition is developed in collaboration with the Singapore Sports Museum team, designed and printed in the studio by Knuckles & Notch.
Risographs are typically printed on uncoated paper.
Exhibit of risograph artworks
Visitors will also have the opportunity to view 12 unique risograph prints based on iconic moments in sporting events— researched, created and risograph printed by the studio. “We put a lot of care into each stroke and colour tone used”, Marl emphasised. “And it doesn’t matter if the athletes won or lost the game. We just wanted to freeze that special moment in time”.
Risograph printing workshop
Feeling artsy? This 2-hour guided workshop will equip you with an understanding of the basic processes behind risograph printing. Before you know it, you will be able to earn bragging rights on the uncanny ability to create personalised prints with your creative touch.
Silkscreen tote bag printing
Tired of buying pre-made tote bags with a lack of character? Attend this guided activity and you’ll get to silkscreen your very own limited edition tote bag! Better yet, bring your friends and loved ones along for a memorable bonding experience.
Make Your Mark is free for all residents. However, the workshop and silkscreen session are payable, plus you’ll need to book your spot in advance. Visit our event page here to register and do watch out for our related social media posts as well.
In Marl’s own words, it’s time to get creative and to make your mark with risographs!
P.S. If you’re a skateboarding or jogging buff like Djohan, don’t forget to check out the skate park (near Gate 14), or be inspired with a good run at the sheltered 888m track (100PLUS Promenade) around the National Stadium. With many more facilities available, why not make the Sports Hub your one-stop hub for your cultural and sporting activities?
On your mark, get set, go!
