Lim Tze Peng

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About the artwork

Lim Tze Peng's "Ode to Art" bursts forth in a symphony of color, a vibrant departure from his monochrome ink washes, yet still echoing the passage of time. A tapestry of emerald and chartreuse hues paints the rolling hills, their verdant slopes cradling a cluster of ochre-roofed dwellings, rendered with a playful naivety. In the foreground, a fleet of sampans, historically significant bumboats that once ferried goods in Singapore's bustling trading past, now nestle like jewels upon a sea of textured greens and browns. Their forms, outlined in bold, calligraphic sweeps, speak to Lim's evolving style, where direct observation and the application of colorful ink on paper result in impressionistic forms. The central bumboat, a vessel of vibrant teal and crimson, becomes a stage for two diminutive figures, their presence a testament to the enduring human connection with the sea. Lim Tze Peng's use of wax resist creates subtle, textural variations, adding depth and intrigue to the composition. This work, a testament to his enduring love for the Singaporean landscape and its history, is a celebration of life's simple pleasures, captured with a whimsical flourish.

About the artist

Born in Singapore in 1921, Lim Tze Peng is one of Singapore’s most significant artists and a living legend. Renowned for his Chinese ink creations of post-independence Singapore, he also practices Chinese calligraphy. Alongside local and international exhibitions, his masterpieces are exhibited in prominent Singapore institutions and part of many prestigious collections. Lim has been bestowed several awards including the Special Prize at the Commonwealth Art Exhibition in England in 1977 and the prestigious Cultural Medallion in Singapore in 2003. In May 2012, he broke records with the sale of his works at a Christies auction in Hong Kong.