Gathering at Old Place
Ink on Rice Paper, 95 x 95 cm
About the artwork
Lim Tze Peng captures a poignant moment at a lone street food stall in old Chinatown, Singapore, where the quiet rhythm of daily life unfolds. Faceless figures sit at the tables, their presence evoking the warmth of shared experiences. The weathered shophouse, painted in earthy tones, stands as a silent witness to the simple rituals of the community. With soft, expressive brushstrokes, Lim reflects on the fleeting nature of these interactions, offering a nostalgic tribute to a time when such humble gatherings were the heart of Chinatown’s vibrant soul.
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.