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 streets of Singapore provided Lim with endless subject matter for his art. Often painting on site, in Chinese ink as it allows him to paint with speed, Lim’s keen eye for detail and masterful handling of the medium have produced many works depicting life on the streets. However as urban renewal swept through Singapore in the 1980s, Lim’s paintings of bustling streets, roadside stalls and traditional trades have become invaluable reminders of a bygone era.
