Who is Lim Tze Peng?
Lim Tze Peng's life story unfolds as a tale of late blooming, with his journey truly commencing at the age of 80. A multifaceted individual, he has worn many hats, transitioning from farmer to teacher, principal, and finally, artist. Throughout his career, Lim found guidance and inspiration from revered mentors like Lee Man Fong, Cheong Soo Pieng, and Liu Kang, stalwarts of the pioneering Nanyang artist generation, now departed.
Despite the passing of his mentors, Lim Tze Peng stands firm, a stalwart witness to and participant in Singapore's art history since the 1940s. With accolades such as the Cultural Medallion at 82 and the Meritorious Service Medal at 95, he has navigated life's twists and turns with resilience and grace.
His art embodies perseverance, reflecting his steadfastness in the face of adversity. Today, Lim's works are awe-inspiring, characterized by their grandeur, vibrancy, and expanded color palette. They exude the energy of youth yet resonate with the wisdom of age, a testament to Lim Tze Peng's enduring spirit and artistic prowess.
TIMELINE
1921
Lim Tze Peng was born on September 28, 1921, in a Pasir Ris kampong, the eldest of seven children, to a rubber planter and a housewife. Although some records indicate his birth year as 1923, Lim deliberately misrepresented his age to appear younger, hoping to prolong his job prospects.
1930
The inception of what would eventually be termed the Nanyang Style of painting, spearheaded by Singapore's inaugural generation of artists, was marked by an exploratory and amalgamated approach to pictorial representation, showcasing experimentation and synthesis.
1945
Lim Tze Peng tied the knot with Soh Siew Lay, resulting in a union that eventually blessed them with six children.
1948
Having completed his studies at Chung Cheng High School, Lim Tze Peng honed his calligraphic skills. The institution, following the Chinese educational model, prioritized aesthetic education, allowing Lim to flourish artistically.
1949
Commenced teaching at Xin Min School, initiating his career in education.
1950
Initiated his artistic endeavors.
1951
Assumed the role of principal at Xin Min School, serving until 1981.
1960
Embarked on a journey to Malaya alongside Choo Keng Kwang, Chen Cheng Mei, and Tan Teo Kwang, paving the way for the formation of the informal 10 Men Art Group. Led by Yeh Chi Wei, the group also comprised Cheah Phee Whye, Lai Foong Moi, Lee Sik Hoon, Tan Miow Kheng, and Yeo Tiong Wah.
1961
The inaugural 10 Men Art Exhibition took place at the Victoria Memorial Hall, inaugurated by Mr. S Rajaratnam, the Minister for Culture, on December 28th, 1961. Participating artists included Lai Foong Moi, Yeo Tiong Wah, Lee Sik Khoon, Yeh Chi Wei, Cheah Phee Chye, Lim Tze Peng, Seah Kim Joo, Choo Keng Kwang, Chen Cheng Mei, and Tan Miow Kheng.
1962
Joined the 1962 Tour of Indonesia alongside Yeh Chi Wei, Choo Keng Kwang, and others, exploring various sites to immerse themselves in the country's vibrant culture.
1964
Took part in the 1964 tour to Thailand and Cambodia alongside Yeh Chi Wei, Tan Seah Boey, Choo Keng Kwang, and others, immersing themselves in the rich cultures of these countries.
1965
Participated in a tour to Sarawak, where they visited longhouses, stayed with the natives, immersed themselves in their daily lives, and sought to encapsulate the essence of the indigenous culture through sketches and photographs. Following the trip, an exhibition was held at the Victoria Memorial Hall to showcase their experiences.
1970
Held his first solo exhibition
1971
Joined a group of 25 individuals, including Liu Kang, Yeh Chi Wei, Choo Keng Kwang on a month-long journey to India, Nepal, Burma, and Thailand. The trip was arranged by the Singapore Art Society, Society of Chinese Artists, the Malay Art Society, and the Southeast Art Association.
1973
Shifted his attention from oil painting to working with ink.
1977
Lim's artwork received the Special Prize at the Commonwealth Art Exhibition, organised by Royal Over-Seas League in England. Despite being initially dismissed by the local selection panel for not fitting Eastern or Western styles, it was later accepted due to an appeal by his close friend Cheong Soo Pieng. The painting depicted an untitled scene from Bali.
1980
The government's announcement of an imminent "clean-up" of Chinatown and the relocation of street hawkers instilled a sense of concern about the area's transformation. In response, the artist created a substantial collection of paintings depicting Chinatown and the Singapore River, capturing their essence before potential changes. These artworks subsequently gained renown as some of the artist's most iconic representations of these locales.
1981
After retiring as a principal, Lim Tze Peng transitioned into a full-time artist. His retirement was marked by the award of the Public Service Medal.
1991
Lim Tze Peng held his second solo exhibition at the National Museum Art Gallery. Additionally, he published his first collection of calligraphy titled "A Collection of Calligraphy by Lim Tze Peng."
2000
Lim Tze Peng embarked on a two-month residency in Paris, France, residing at the Cite Internationale des Arts. He occupied one of two apartments designated for artists from the Nanyang Academy of Fine Arts. During his stay, he captured the Parisian scenery outdoors and initiated painting projects in his home studio.
2003
Lim Tze Peng received The Cultural Medallion Award. In tandem, he held an exhibition at the Singapore Art Museum and generously donated 81 pieces to the museum's collection during the same year.
2008
"Inroads: Lim Tze Peng's New Ink Works" was exhibited at the Art Retreat Museum in Singapore.
2009
Lim Tze Peng's ink journey was showcased in two exhibitions: "The Ink Journey of Lim Tze Peng" at the National Art Museum of China in Beijing and "Inroads: The Ink Journey of Lim Tze Peng" at the Liu Haisu Art Museum in Shanghai.
2010
"My Kampong My Home" was hosted at Singapore Management University.
2012
At a Christie's auction, Lim Tze Peng's piece "Singapore River Scene" (1978) sold for HK$620,000 (S$101,800), establishing a new record for the highest price achieved by a living Singaporean artist's work at auction.
2014
Opening of the Lim Tze Peng Art Gallery in Chung Cheng High School on 10th July, with a donation of over 100 pieces by the artist.
2016
Received the Meritorious Service Medal during the National Day awards ceremony.
2020
Lim Tze Peng marked his centennial birthday in September 2020.
2021
Soul of Ink Exhibition at The Art House, Jun 15 to Jun 30 2021
2022
Opened The Art Abode: Lim Tze Peng gallery on Sept. 28 2022. Emeritus Senior Minister (ESM) Goh Chok Tong graced the event,
2023
From October 11 to 15, 2023, with the coordination of Singapore art consultancy Premium Pages, Lim Tze Peng held his solo exhibition "Lim Tze Peng Solo Exhibition at the Saatchi Gallery, London UK". Although Lim Tze Peng's works have participated in several group exhibitions in Western countries, this was his first solo exhibition.