Redefining the Archaic:
The Art of Lim Tze Peng
28.07 // 12.08 2018
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Redefining the Archaic: The Art of Lim Tze Peng celebrates 70 years of the visual artistry of Singapore’s most esteemed living artist, Lim Tze Peng. Born in 1921, Lim Tze Peng became a full-time artist after retiring as the principal of Sin Min School in 1981. Over the years, he has enjoyed critical and commercial success with his nostalgic ink compositions of Old Singapore landscapes and an innovative body of calligraphy work that defies the centuries-old traditions of Chinese ink art. For his invaluable contribution to Singapore’s artistic heritage, the 98-year-old artist was conferred the Cultural Medallion by the Singapore government in 2003 and the Meritorious Service Medal in 2016.
Untitled No. 21 (Trees), 2007, Ink and colour on paper, 264.5 cm x 538.5 cm
This curated feast of over 60 exhibits provides a retrospective look on Lim Tze Peng’s lifetime body of work in an art journey that spans almost seven decades from 1060s to 2018. The prodigious display of works includes his oil paintings from 1960s - 2000s; his ink paintings of Kampongs and Old Singapore scenes from 1970s – 1980s, and 2009 - 2013; his travel series on Bali and Paris from 1990s – mid-2000s; his semi-abstract trees-inspired ink and oil paintings from mid-2000s – early 2010s; and his progressive body of traditional, abstract and colour calligraphy from mid-2000s to the present.
The exhibition captures Lim Tze Peng’s growing forays and aesthetic transformations over the decades and provides an important window into understanding his continual experimentations in painting and calligraphy. Many featured works are on exhibit for the first time, including a handful of recently-completed colour calligraphy works accomplished by the artist. On special display will be 2 mural-sized ink and colour paintings of abstract trees, the largest being Untitled No. 21 (Trees) measuring 264.2 x 538.5 cm.
Official Opening
Date: 28 July 2018 (Saturday)
Time: 10.30 am - 12 pm
By Guest-of-Honour, Mdm. Halimah Yacob, President of the Republic of Singapore.
The opening features a special fundraiser for Sian Chay Medical Institution & President’s Challenge.
Official Book Launch
Date: 10 August 2018 (Friday)
Time: 7 pm
By Guest-of-Honour, Mr. Koh Seow Chuan, Founder of DP Architects Pte Ltd & Founding Chairman of National Gallery Singapore.
Guided Tour (1) with Curator Tan Yong Jun
Date: 28 July 2018 (Saturday)
Time: 12 - 12.45 pm
Guided Tour (2) with Curator Tan Yong Jun
Date: 10 August 2018 (Friday)
Time: 7.45 - 8.15 pm
Exhibition Period
Date: 28 July – 12 August 2018
Time: 12 – 7 pm daily
Venue: Artspace @ Helutrans, 39 Keppel Road, Singapore 089065
Press Release