Year of the snake: artist Hannah Lim brings tradition to life with Today at Apple

Lunar New Year is a moment for renewal: a celebration of culture, connection, and transformation. It’s also a time to reflect on how tradition evolves in a rapidly changing world. This January, Apple’s Covent Garden store is hosting an event that embodies this intersection of heritage and innovation, inviting audiences to explore the Year of the Snake through the vibrant work of artist and It’s Nice That favourite Hannah Lim.

Hannah has built her practice on reinterpreting Chinese and Singaporean cultural motifs with boldness and flair, creating contemporary works that feel rooted in tradition but speak to today’s world. Her sculptural pieces are as much about identity as they are about aesthetics: a reflection of her dual heritage and the stories that inspire her. “I love the idea of taking something people might think of as old-fashioned or fixed, and finding ways to make it relevant to the way we live today,” she explains. This ethos is at the heart of Apple’s event, Create Lunar New Year Keepsakes with Hannah Lim, where technology becomes a tool to reinterpret cherished customs in fresh and unexpected ways.

The session will begin with Hannah discussing her creative journey and the cultural influences that shape her work. From there, attendees will move into the hands-on part of the evening: a live demonstration led by a Procreate expert, using iPads provided by Apple. Participants will have the chance to create their own digital designs inspired by Hannah’s unique style, experimenting with textures, colors, and brushes to craft personal keepsakes for the Lunar New Year.

A central aspect of the session is reimagining of the red envelope (a timeless symbol of luck and prosperity) through digital art. In Hannah’s hands, this traditional custom becomes a canvas for storytelling and self-expression, blending the richness of heritage with the possibilities of modern tools. For her, the Year of the Snake feels especially fitting as a theme. “The snake is about transformation and growth,” she says. “It’s about shedding layers, which feels particularly meaningful at this time of year.”

While Hannah Lim’s workshop is a highlight, Apple’s celebrations don’t end there. For those who want to capture their own festive moments, Apple is also hosting an interactive photography session, Capture Unique New Year Portraits on iPhone. Running in select Apple stores across London, Liverpool, and Manchester from mid-January to early February, the workshop is inspired by the work of photographer Ye Ju. Participants will explore creative framing, fun poses, and the Camera Control features of iPhone 16 to craft striking portraits.

Events like this are about more than showcasing technology. They create space for connection and creativity, inviting people to engage with tradition in ways that feel fresh and personal.

Hannah Lim’s Lunar New Year session takes place on Wednesday 22 January, from 6:30–8:00pm. Spaces are limited, making this an unmissable opportunity to connect with one of today’s most exciting creative voices and to explore the possibilities of digital art in a supportive setting.