UOB spotlights artists with disabilities in festive show’s projection display

[SINGAPORE] Artist Genine Tham was inspired by Vincent van Gogh’s The Starry Night when she painted Gaze Upon the Night, which features a swirl of different shades of blue, as well as yellow to represent the stars.

Tham’s mother, Joysline Kwan, said the 24-year-old with global developmental delay draws on “curiosity, playfulness and emotions” when painting. She uses her hands and feet to paint, making her artwork look textured due to the movements. 

It was after going for art therapy in 2019 that Tham’s passion for art began. She soon joined non-profit Extra.Ordinary People, where she continued painting and honed her craft.

Tham is one of five artists with disabilities from Extra.Ordinary People whose artwork is featured on UOB Plaza 1 for its festive show this year.

The UOB Gives Back Heartbeat Show features a display of community initiatives from 2025, a projection of artworks, as well as winning pieces from the 2025 UOB Painting of the Year competition.

This year’s show will run daily until Dec 25 from 8 pm to 10.30 pm, in 15-minute intervals.

Leonard Tan, head of group corporate social responsibility (CSR) at UOB, said Extra.Ordinary People has been a “steadfast partner” in the bank’s journey to creating a more inclusive society for young people.

“Through initiatives like… the UOB Gives Back Heartbeat Show, we aim to raise awareness and provide opportunities for youth with special needs or disadvantaged backgrounds to thrive and showcase their talents,” he added.

While this is the first time that UOB is spotlighting artists from Extra.Ordinary People, the bank previously supported the charity during 2023 and 2025’s UOB Heartbeat Run. 

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The featured artists are from Extra.Ordinary People’s Creative Lab, a vocational arts incubator for emerging artists with disabilities.

The charity provides materials, mentorship and artist management to help them develop a portfolio. The artists can sell their artworks and receive income while building daily living skills through communication and engagement. 

Ivan Chin, chief executive of Extra.Ordinary People, said: “As we journey with them, we want to showcase their art not just to sell paintings, but also to give them a platform and the confidence to take bold steps and try new things.”

UOB’s show is part of a broader countdown show happening at the Singapore River for this year’s festive season. 

From Dec 26 to Jan 1, 2026, the Urban Redevelopment Authority and The Fullerton Hotel’s Brightening Lives show will display artworks by artists from Art:Dis. This is in conjunction with the Tomorrow with UOB show, which reimagines UOB Plaza as a futuristic portal.