Recipient of the Eve Reid Bennett Award for ‘most progress in the subject of Botanical Illustration’, 2025
I was born and raised in Singapore, where my fascination with plants first inspired a journey into botanical art in 2016. Attending the ASBA Conference in San Francisco the following year introduced me to a vibrant global community and sparked a deeper commitment to the field.
I developed my practice further through workshops in Europe, Australia, and Indonesia, while the pandemic years were enriched by online learning.
Completing the RBGE Certificate with distinction in 2021 gave me the confidence to pursue the Diploma in 2023. The past two and a half years have been a time of growth, discipline, and joy in studying plants through art.
Title of the project
Tropical Fruits Native to Southeast Asia
About the project
I chose the theme Tropical Fruits Native to Southeast Asia, focusing on five species: Kaffir Lime, Mangosteen, Noni, Mango, and Star Fruit.
Growing up in Singapore surrounded by fruit trees and edible plants, these fruits were part of my childhood, inspiring this project as a tribute.
Fieldwork across gardens, markets, and roadsides allowed close observation, despite challenges such as seasonal availability, accessibility, and encounters with ants and lizards. Using habit sketches, measured drawings, and watercolor studies, I captured each plant’s form, texture, and translucency.
The illustrations combine scientific accuracy with artistic expression, celebrating both the fruits and their cultural significance.
Eve Reid Bennett Award
Recipient of the Eve Reid Bennett Award for ‘most progress in the subject of Botanical Illustration’, 2025.
Eve Bennett was a wonderfully respected botanical illustrator and teacher at the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh and this prize is awarded in her memory.
Ai Hwa has made marvellous progress through the Diploma course, with plant choices reflecting the rich variety of exotics from Indonesia. The final collection focuses on ‘Tropical fruits’ - with a culturally rich significance, Kaffir lime, Mangosteen and Mango – native to Southeast Asia. The paintings are rich in colour, texture and display a skilful use of composition and fine watercolour application.
Congratulations Ai Hwa for your sense of enquiry and having developed your skills throughout the course.
