SINGAPOREAN
1921 — 2025

Prior to his passing in February 2025, Lim Tze Peng was widely known as Singapore’s most important living painter and calligrapher. A self-taught artist, Lim’s artistic practice was grounded in Chinese ink and calligraphic traditions. These have had an immense influence on his oeuvre of works spanning across decades, including his early detailed depictions of Singapore, Southeast Asia, and China, as well as his later calligraphy that incorporated vibrant colours and principles of abstraction. In 2003, Lim was conferred the prestigious Cultural Medallion for his contributions to art and culture in Singapore. Lim was also the recipient of the Public Administration Medal in 1963 and Public Service Medal in 1981, as well as a Special Prize at the 1977 Commonwealth Art Exhibition. Lim had exhibited locally and internationally, and his masterpieces have been acquired by important public institutions and private collectors.