Born in 1923, Lim Tze Peng is mainly a self-taught artist. Ink paintings and calligraphic works are predominantly featured in his work, though there is a small collection of early oils, watercolours and drawings. He created a unique style of ink painting using rich brush and tonal details, and this approach is often regarded as a manifestation of the Nanyang Style in the ink medium. He was awarded the Cultural Medallion in 2003.The bustling street life of early Singapore provided Lim with endless subject matter for his art. Often painting on site in Chinese ink as the medium allows him to paint with speed, Lim’s keen eye for detail and masterful handling of the medium have produced works that capture the energy and dynamism of the streets. As many of these sights have vanished due to urban development, his paintings now serve as reminders of a bygone era.
