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林子平

Lim Tze Peng

林子平

Lim Tze Peng

Lim Tze Peng (林子平), born in 1921 in Singapore, is one of the nation’s most celebrated and enduring artists. Growing up in rural Pasir Ris, he lived through Singapore’s transformation from kampong to modern metropolis, experiences that would later inspire many of his works. For decades, Lim worked as a teacher and eventually became a school principal, only devoting himself fully to art after retirement a late yet remarkable blossoming of his lifelong passion.
Though he began painting early on, Lim’s artistic journey reached new heights in his later years, marked by bold creativity and relentless experimentation even into his 80s and 90s. He is best known for his expressive ink scenes of old Singapore – from bustling Chinatown streets to the Singapore River as well as his distinctive “hutuzi” calligraphy and vibrant abstract compositions. His art blends tradition and innovation, reflecting both the energy of youth and the wisdom of age.
Over the years, Lim has been recognised with Singapore’s highest cultural honours, including the Cultural Medallion in 2003 and the Meritorious Service Medal in 2016. As the last living link to the pioneer Nanyang-style masters, he stands as both an artistic icon and a testament to the power of lifelong creativity.

Lim Tze Peng proves that creativity knows no age — his art, a lifelong dialogue between the past and the present, tradition and fearless innovation.

Lim Tze Peng proves that creativity knows no age — his art, a lifelong dialogue between the past and the present, tradition and fearless innovation.

林子平(Lim Tze Peng),1921年生于新加坡,是本地最具代表性与影响力的艺术家之一。他从小在巴西立的乡村成长,早年当过农民,之后投身教育界,先后担任教师与校长。直到退休后,他才全心投入绘画创作,却在八十岁后迎来了创作生涯的高峰,展现出惊人的艺术生命力。
林子平深受南洋画派大师李曼峰、钟泗滨与刘抗等人的影响,并在其基础上发展出个人独特的风格。他的水墨作品生动描绘旧新加坡的街景与河畔风貌,而他晚年的“糊涂字”书法和抽象作品,更体现了他大胆实验、突破自我的精神。他的创作既有青春的活力,也有岁月积淀的智慧与深度。
作为新加坡文化界的国宝级人物,林子平在82岁获得新加坡最高艺术荣誉——文化奖章,95 岁时再获公共服务星章。他不仅是南洋画派的重要传承者,也是新加坡艺术史上与时代共进、 不懈探索的象征。
LIM TZE PENG'S

Achievements

Commonwealth Art Exhibition

Lim received the Special Prize at the 1977 Commonwealth Art Exhibition in England, highlighting his international acclaim. ​

1997

2003

Cultural Medallion Recipient

Lim was awarded Singapore’s highest artistic honor, the Cultural Medallion, recognizing his significant contributions to the nation’s cultural landscape.

Pioneer Exhibition in China

He became the first Singaporean artist invited to exhibit at the National Art Museum of China in Beijing, followed by a showcase at the Liu Haisu Art Museum in Shanghai. ​

2009

Artistic Evolution

His transition from traditional landscapes to expressive calligraphy in his later years has been widely celebrated, showcasing his adaptability and continuous growth as an artist. ​

LIM TZE PENG'S

Exhibitions

The Spirit of Ink

Showcased at the Dr. Bhau Daji Lad Museum in Mumbai, India, highlighting his mastery in ink painting.

2019

2020

A Century of Memories
Presented by Ode To Art, this virtual exhibition featured 20 new works reflecting on Singapore’s transformation. ​

Soul of Ink: Lim Tze Peng at 100

Held at The Arts House, this exhibition celebrated his centennial year with a showcase of his masterpieces. ​

2021

2023

From Lion City to London
Exhibited at the Saatchi Gallery in London during the Start Art Fair, marking his presence on the international stage. ​

Becoming Lim Tze Peng

A major solo exhibition at the National Gallery Singapore, tracing his artistic journey and evolution. ​

2024

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About us

Asia Art Collective is an art advisory and consultancy specialised in Singaporean and Asian modern and contemporary art. Professional art services include providing clients with art advice on artwork purchase and sale, artwork valuation and assessment, art acquisition and collection planning, art sale and brokerage, as well as art commissioning and artwork sourcing. Asia Art Collective seeks to promote a culture of art appreciation and art acquisition and collection for Singapore art, and modern and contemporary Asian art through its diverse and rotating art exhibitions and art appreciation programmes, courses and talks. Enquire with Asia Art Collective for advice and support on your art-collecting journey.

亚洲艺汇有限公司(Asia Art Collective Pte Ltd )是新加坡专业的艺术品咨询顾问公司,公司的服务是为艺术收藏提供指导,制定策划购买艺术品方向,帮助藏家评估、分析艺术品市场价位、未来的市场走势。在选择艺术品方面,即要帮助藏家找到自己酷爱心怡的作品,同时也把艺术品列为藏家资产扩充的规划中,并且负责跟踪艺术品的买与卖。同时也提供新加坡艺术品量身定制服务

CURATOR 策展人
Iola Liu
92398226
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