When asked about the famous artist from IMH, most people can quickly relate it to Mr Sim Kah Lim. For he is not only well known for his extraordinary skills in painting, he is an artist who was diagnosed with schizophrenia and paints accurately from memory.
At a tender age of eight, he came up tops in his first art competition organised by Goodwood Park Hotel. Inspired, Mr Sim then knew he wanted to be a professional painter. Sadly, his dream was dashed when he started having hallucinations and was diagnosed with schizophrenia at the age of 15. He was sent to the then Woodbridge Hospital and has been in IMH since.
His paintings on canvas celebrate scenes of old Singapore including Boat Quay and Chinatown. Using a mix of medium from water colour, acrylic to oil pastels, his paintings are vibrant and full of life. He pays specific attention to details and one would think he has spent much time painting by the Singapore River or in Chinatown.
However, what is remarkable about his works is that all the beautiful Singapore River scenes with its quaint bumboats and other famous local landmarks that he had captured on canvas were painted purely out of memory. Having called IMH home for more than 30 years, Mr Sim has lost touch with the outside world, especially the rapidly changing landscape of our fast developing nation. They are pictures, frozen in time and memory, from early childhood when his father used to take him to these places.
In “Anamnesis II”, 20 pieces of his most recent works are on display and for sale. A large part of sales proceeds go back to Kah Lim’s family and a portion will go to ArtSE – A Social Enterprise that supports and enpowers mental wellness, special needs and persons-‐with-‐disabilities in Singapore.
Venue: Goshen Art Gallery, 7 Fraser Street, #01‐04, DUO Galleria, Singapore 189356
When: 12 - 30 Nov 2019, 11am - 5pm
