At 99 years old, Lim Tze Peng is Singapore’s oldest living artist and one of the most respected Chinese calligraphy artists. Despite his age, creating art is ever on Lim’s mind, culminating in ‘The Spirit of Ink’, the artist’s first solo exhibition in India, to be held at the Dr. Bhau Daji Lad Museum, Mumbai, from 3 August to 15 September 2019.

The highlight of the exhibition will be Lim’s 5 new pieces of abstract art calligraphy that he painted over the course of 2018-2019. These large-scale paintings will be displayed in public for the very first time.

China Town Scene by Lim Tze Peng, courtesy Ode To Art

From an expansive collection of his works, another 20 specially curated pieces have also been selected to depict Lim’s journey from his roots in traditional Chinese calligraphy to his current more abstract and contemporary works.

Courtesy Ode To Art

One of Singapore’s most revered artists, Lim Tze Peng began his prolific career by painting old Singapore, particularly Malay kampongs, early Chinatown and the Singapore River. He spent his days along the alleyways and parts of Singapore capturing the multi-faceted landscape and the effects of rapid modernisation by fusing traditional Chinese ink painting techniques with scenes of contemporary city life. Lim then revolutionised Chinese calligraphy with his invention of “hu tu zi” (art calligraphy). Marked by a confluence of brushstrokes that weave in and out and into abstraction, Lim’s calligraphy bursts forth from the two-dimensional plane, carrying its own life force. In 2003, Lim was awarded the Cultural Medallion Award as well as the Meritorious Service Medal in 2016 for his contribution to Singapore’s historical and cultural narrative. Despite turning 99 this year, Lim’s passion and devotion to art continue as fervently as ever.

Venue: Kamalnayan Bajaj Special Exhibition Gallery, Dr Bhau Daji Lad Museum, Mumbai 400027
Dates: 3 August to 15 September 2019