LIM TZE PENG
林子平
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UNTITLED (CHINESE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE)
1950s
Oil on canvas, 550 x 650 mm
Lim Tze Peng, born in 1921, is a revered Singaporean artist honored with the Cultural Medallion in 2003. His career transitioned from teaching to professional painting, with notable exhibitions showcasing his evolving creativity. Despite retiring in 1981, Lim continued creating art, even at 102, displaying his enduring passion. Raised in Pasir Ris, he embarked on his educational journey through primary and high school before teaching at Xin Min School. His artistic journey began in his twenties, culminating in prestigious awards like the Cultural Medallion and the Meritorious Service Medal. Each exhibition, including the "Soul of Ink: Lim Tze Peng at 100 Exhibition," depicts a chapter in his artistic evolution.
LIFESTORY
故事
Lim Tze Peng, born on September 28, 1921, is a distinguished Singaporean artist whose life and work are woven into the rich fabric of the nation's cultural narrative. A teacher by training and profession, he received the esteemed Cultural Medallion in 2003 for his significant contributions to Singapore's art and culture.
Born into a family of pig and chicken farmers in Pasir Ris, he is the eldest of seven children. Lim's educational journey took him through Guangyang Primary School and Chung Cheng High School. In 1949, he embarked on a career as a primary school teacher at Xin Min School, eventually becoming its principal in 1951, a position he held until his retirement in 1981.
ARTWORKS
画作
Lim Tze Peng's early career focused on oil, watercolor, and later ink, predominantly painting outdoors. Initially depicting kampong scenes, he later shifted to capturing Singapore River and Chinatown views. His pre-2000 works were figurative and meticulously detailed.
In his 80s, unable to paint outdoors, he transitioned to a studio, producing mainly abstract pieces, notably focusing on trees. This phase marked his most innovative period, creating boldly expressive and colorful large-format works. He experimented with various calligraphy styles, garnering recognition including exhibitions in China and prestigious awards like the Cultural Medallion and the Meritorious Service Medal, solidifying his status as a renowned artist.
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THE ART ABODE
艺术之家
Lim Tze Peng inaugurated "The Art Abode: Lim Tze Peng" gallery,, alongside his 102nd birthday celebration, honored by Emeritus Senior Minister Goh Chok Tong. The gallery, a lifelong dream of Lim's, displays his versatile artworks, showcasing his journey from oil to ink paintings and abstract calligraphy. Refreshed displays occur every three months.
EXHIBITIONS
展览
Lim Tze Peng embarked on a road trip to Malaya in 1960, leading to the formation of the 10 Men Art Group in 1961. Their inaugural exhibition, opened by Minister for Culture S Rajaratnam, marked a significant milestone. Lim held his first solo exhibition in 1970 and later joined a group expedition to India, Nepal, Burma, and Thailand in 1971.
Transitioning to ink painting in 1973, he further established himself with notable exhibitions and publications, including "Meeting Places in Fleeting Spaces" in 1998 and "Tze Peng" at the Singapore Art Museum in 2003. His centennial was celebrated with the "Soul of Ink: Lim Tze Peng at 100 Exhibition" in 2021, followed by "VIEW IT/ LIM TZE PENG - NATIONAL ICON. CENTENARIAN" in 2023.
MILESTONES
里程碑
Lim Tze Peng's artistic journey was marked by significant achievements. In 1977, he won the Special Prize at the Commonwealth Art Exhibition in England, despite initial rejection locally. In 2003, he was honored with the Cultural Medallion, recognizing his contributions to Singapore's art scene.
Additionally, he became the first Singaporean artist to exhibit in China in 2009, showcasing his works at prestigious venues like the National Art Museum of China in Beijing and the Liu Haisu Art Museum in Shanghai. Notably, in 2016, he became the oldest living artist to receive the Meritorious Service Medal, joining a select group of pioneer artists.
MEDIA RELATED
媒体相关
Discoverev every media capturing the essence of Lim Tze Peng's remarkable journey as an artist. From accolades like the Cultural Medallion to milestones such as exhibitions and collaborations, delve into the coverage that illuminates his contributions to Singapore's art scene and beyond.