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 journey endeavoring life long learning and seeking breakthrough in his Chinese calligraphy and painting.
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.
1963
National Day Award (PPA) Singapore
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 Tze Peng'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 National Day Award (PBM)
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 and was facilitated by private art collectors Linda Neo and Albert Lim.
Most of the exhibited artworks are Lim Tze Peng's Chinese Ink with colour.
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. The opening ceremony was graced by PM Lee Hsien Loong.
2016
Received the Meritorious Service Medal from President Dr. Tony Tan during the National Day awards ceremony.
2018
The solo exhibition of artist Lim Tze Peng, organized by Fission Group, was held on July 28 at Artspace@Helutrans. Guest of honor Singapore President Halimah Yacob officiated the opening. The event raised $500,000 in donations, split between the President’s Challenge Charity Fund and Sian Chay Medical Institution.
2020
Xinmin alumni, friends, and family celebrate Lim Tze Peng's centennial birthday.
2021
LimTzePeng art solo exhibition open ceremony at The Art House together with book launch for Soul of Ink was graced by PM Lee Hsien Loong.
The exhibition is from 15Jun to 30Jun 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 June
Lim Tze Peng Art Exhibition at Ion Orchard was open by Minister Ong Ye Kung. The artworks displayed mostly are Lim Tze Peng paintings on memories of Singapore River scene. The book, Rainbow After Dusk was launched on the same day.
Rev. Dr. Lee Chong Kau was invited to pray for blessing to the exhibition.
2023 September
Lim Tze Peng celebrating his birthday with distinguished artists and collectors at his gallery, The Art Abode Lim Tze Peng.
Mr. Low Sze Wei CEO of
Singapore Chinese Cultural Centre was the VIP to opening the celebration event.
2023 October
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.
2024
The Art Abode of Lim Tze Peng celebrates its 3rd anniversary in September 2024. To mark this special occasion, a commemorative art book titled Tree of Life, by art critic Jonathan Thomson. This book highlights the profound artistry of Centenarian Lim Tze Peng, capturing the essence of his latest work on tree series.
The event was graced by Dr Eugene Tan，CEO of Singapor National Gallery and Singapore Art Museum
2019
Lim Tze Peng Solo Exhibition by Cape Of Good Hope was open by Dr. Ho Kah Leong. The artworks displayed inclusive of Lim Tze Peng 's Chinese Calligraphy, oil paintings on canvas and Chinese ink with colour paintings on rice paper.