Meet Singapore’s 100‑Year‑Old Art Legend: Lim Tze Peng
A Century of Colours
Ever wonder what happens when you combine a century of life with a lifetime of brushes? Meet Lim Tze Peng, the country’s oldest living artist who’s just made it past the big 1‑0‑0 mark. He’s still painting, and he’s doing it with the kind of zest that most of us could only dream of.
Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong’s One‑Hundred‑and‑One
When the Arts House hosted the book and exhibition launch Soul of Ink: Lim Tze Peng at 100 on June 15, the President himself was in attendance. In his warm speech, he walked us through Lim’s various roles: farmer, student, teacher, and even principal—each chapter adding another layer to his artistry.
- Self‑taught master – From plate‑glued palettes to opening his own studio.
- Honours haul – Cultural Medallion in 2003, Meritorious Service Medal in 2016.
- Story‑telling on paint – From kampong life to bustling Chinatown, every stroke tells Singapore’s history.
“From his streetscapes and kampong scenes in our early nation‑building years to his iconic paintings of Chinatown and the Singapore River through the decades, they offer a vivid glimpse of the colour of everyday lives in Singapore,” Lee said. “His life’s work captures the atmosphere of the changing times.”
The Book and the Exhibition
The book, penned by media veteran Woon Tai Ho, dives deeper into the man behind the brush. Meanwhile, the exhibition, running until June 30, showcases twenty fresh pieces: think bright ink landscapes of Singapore and daring, abstract calligraphy.
Highlights include four masterpieces Lim revisited from the 1980s and finished in 2020:
- Morning at Arab Street
- Crowded Bugis Street
- Riverside
- Tanjong Rhu Riverside
So whether you’re a seasoned art fan or just came for a colourful walk down memory lane, Lim Tze Peng’s century‑old canvas is a beehive of inspiration—no paint drip is overkill, and every brushstroke feels like a hug from the past.
<img alt="" data-caption="Morning at Arab Street and Crowded Bugis Street are two out of twenty artworks featured in the Soul of Ink: Lim Tze Peng at 100 exhibition.
PHOTO: Lim Tze Peng” data-entity-type=”file” data-entity-uuid=”09279b24-1a57-4a91-b554-276141b307fb” src=”/sites/default/files/inline-images/20211606_old%20paintings_handout.jpg”/>
Get Ready to Dive Into Singapore’s Cultural Masterpieces
PM Lee is rolling out some exciting news: the National Arts Council will soon unveil the Cultural Medallion Gallery. The show will spotlight the works of the nation’s most celebrated artists—including Lim Tze Peng—and will open its doors just a few months from now.
“These cultural icons and role models we call our own,” Lee said, “will continue to inspire new generations of local artists and performers.” In other words, the gallery isn’t just a museum; it’s a time machine that keeps the creative spirit alive.
For a closer look at the book and exhibition details, simply drop us a line at [email protected] or check our Arts Events and Listings and Books & Paintings section. Let’s keep the artistic vibes flowing!
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