Redefining the Archaic: The Art of Lim Tze Peng

Lim Tze Peng, Singapore River, Ink and colour on paper, 243.8 x 488 cm

Redefining the Archaic: The Art of Lim Tze Peng celebrates 70 years of the visual artistry of Singapore’s most esteemed living artist, Lim Tze Peng. Born in 1921, Lim Tze Peng became a full-time artist after retiring as the principal of Sin Min School in 1981. Over the years, he has enjoyed critical and commercial success with his nostalgic ink compositions of Old Singapore landscapes and an innovative body of calligraphy work that defies the centuries-old traditions of Chinese ink art. For his invaluable contribution to Singapore’s artistic heritage, the 98-year-old artist was conferred the Cultural Medallion by the Singapore government in 2003 and the Meritorious Service Medal in 2016.

This curated feast of over 60 exhibits provides a retrospective look on Lim Tze Peng’s lifetime body of work in an art journey that spans almost seven decades from 1060s to 2018. The prodigious display of works includes his oil paintings from 1960s – 2000s; his ink paintings of Kampongs and Old Singapore scenesfrom 1970s – 1980s, and 2009 – 2013; his travel series on Bali and Paris from 1990s – mid-2000s; his semi-abstract trees-inspired ink and oil paintings from mid-2000s – early 2010s; and his progressive body of traditional, abstract and colour calligraphy from mid-2000s to the present.

The exhibition captures Lim Tze Peng’s growing forays and aesthetic transformations over the decades and provides an important window into understanding his continual experimentations in painting and calligraphy. Many featured works are on exhibit for the first time, including a handful of recently-completed colour calligraphy works accomplished by the artist. On special display will be 2 mural-sized ink and colour paintings of abstract trees, the largest beingUntitled No. 21 (Trees) measuring 264.2 x 538.5 cm.

In conjunction with this milestone exhibition, there will be an official book launch of a new comprehensive publication on Lim Tze Peng’s life and art on 10 August (Friday), 7pm. Sharing the same title as the exhibition, the book is authored by young historian, Tan Yong Jun, who currently holds a B.A. Hons. (Cantab) in History from the University of Cambridge. The book comprises 11 chapters of study and 200 artwork images covering the different periods of Lim Tze Peng’s artistic trajectory. It will be officially launched by Guest-of-Honour, Mr. Koh Seow Chuan, Founder of DP Architects and Founding Chairman of National Gallery Singapore, as well as a long-time friend and patron of Lim Tze Peng.

Official Book Launch
10 August 2018 (Friday), 7 – 7.45pm
By Guest-of-Honour, Mr. Koh Seow Chuan, Founder of DP Architects and Founding Chairman of National Gallery Singapore.

Curator’s Tour with Tan Yong Jun
10 August 2018 (Friday), 7.45 – 8.15pm
Interested participants to RSVP via valerie@artcommune.com.sg