Cover ‘Singapore River (Coleman Bridge)’ (1979) by Lim Tze Peng (Photo: Courtesy of National Heritage Board, Singapore)
‘Singapore River (Coleman Bridge)’ (1979) by Lim Tze Peng (Photo: Courtesy of National Heritage Board, Singapore)
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The special solo art exhibitions are part of the Gallery’s four-part Singapore Artist series
Following the Cheong Soo Pieng: Layer by Layer exhibition of works by leading artist closely associated with Nanyang art in March, the National Gallery Singapore launched three other special solo exhibitions spotlighting Singaporean artists: Teo Eng Seng, Kim Lim and Lim Tze Peng.
The special solo exhibitions are part of the Gallery’s four-part Singapore Artist series spotlighting artists who reflect the country’s post-independence spirit and innovation, as well as their profound impact on the Singapore art scene.
Each of the exhibitions offers an insight into their artistic practices, from their process and use of materials, as well as their broader vision.
Read more: Cheong Soo Pieng: 4 Things to Know About the Singapore Pioneer Artist and His Ink Paintings
‘Teo Eng Seng: We’re Happy. Are You Happy?’
Above Teo Eng Seng (Photo: National Gallery Singapore)
Teo Eng Seng (Photo: National Gallery Singapore)
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Pioneer artist and Cultural Medallion recipient Teo Eng Seng transforms everyday materials into vibrant works of art, blending humour and irony into his socially engaged artistic practice. The artist invented his own medium, the paperdyesculp, in the 1980s utilising dyed papier-mâché, also known as pulped paper, along with other materials into sculptural artworks.
Above ‘MJ Dangerous V’ by Teo Eng Seng
‘MJ Dangerous V’ by Teo Eng Seng
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Featuring close to 70 artworks that respond to global social-political events of the mid-20th century, this is the largest and most in-depth survey on the multidisciplinary artist reflecting his own lived experiences and his contributions to the local visual arts scene.
Teo’s honest and witty negotiation between self and society is embodied in his creations, which are full of spontaneous and vivid compositions, alongside his tongue-in-cheek takes on personal and broader social events.
From now till February 2, at Singtel Special Exhibition Gallery 1 and The Spine Hall.
‘Kim Lim: The Space Between. A Retrospective’
Above Kim Lim in her studio in the late 1960s (Photo: Jorge Lewinski)
Kim Lim in her studio in the late 1960s (Photo: Jorge Lewinski)
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The most comprehensive major museum exhibition to date of Singapore-born sculptor and printmaker Kim Lim traces the evolution of her artistic journey, philosophy and creative relationships, and how she relied on the power of suggestion and metaphor to masterfully balance space, light, and rhythm to great effect.
Above Installation view of the ‘Kim Lim: The Space Between. A Retrospective’ exhibition (Photo: National Gallery Singapore)
Installation view of the ‘Kim Lim: The Space Between. A Retrospective’ exhibition (Photo: National Gallery Singapore)
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With over 150 works, from key sculptures and prints spanning four decades, to maquettes and never-before-seen photographs, this retrospective offers new insights into Lim’s unique approach to Minimalism, influenced by material cultures encountered during her extensive travels. The exhibition also celebrates her life that was lived through a sustained openness to a diversity of influences.
From now till February 2, at Singtel Special Exhibition Galleries 2 & 3.
Above Installation view of the ‘Kim Lim: The Space Between. A Retrospective’ exhibition (Photo: National Gallery Singapore)
Above Installation view of the ‘Kim Lim: The Space Between. A Retrospective’ exhibition (Photo: National Gallery Singapore)
Installation view of the ‘Kim Lim: The Space Between. A Retrospective’ exhibition (Photo: National Gallery Singapore)
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‘Becoming Lim Tze Peng’
Above Lim Tze Peng (Photo: National Gallery Singapore)
Lim Tze Peng (Photo: National Gallery Singapore)
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He is Singapore’s oldest living artist, a Cultural Medallion recipient who is still producing works today. Lim Tze Peng is known for his picturesque and nostalgic depictions of well-loved scenes of everyday Singapore and magnificent landscapes from around the world. He is also known for his bold and expressive ink works, including his own distinct style of calligraphy, hu tu zi, also known as “muddled calligraphy” or “muddled characters”.
In case you missed it: “I Hope My Art Can Inspire a New Generation to Treasure Their Past”: 100-Year-Old Artist Lim Tze Peng on His Artistic Journey
Above ‘Hawker’ (2013–2014) by Lim Tze Peng
‘Hawker’ (2013–2014) by Lim Tze Peng
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For its first solo exhibition of the 103-year-old artist, the National Gallery Singapore presents over 50 artworks curated from Singapore’s public art collections, the artist’s personal art collection and rare archival materials. Discover Lim’s artistic evolution, with artworks dating back to 1946 and as recent as 2023.
From now till March 23, at Level 4 Gallery, City Hall Wing.
Above Lim Tze Peng painting outdoors in ink (1970) (Photo: Collection of the artist)
Above ‘Untitled (Calligraphy No. 7)’ (2008) by Lim Tze Peng (Photo: Courtesy of National Heritage Board, Singapore)
Lim Tze Peng painting outdoors in ink (1970) (Photo: Collection of the artist)
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As Senior Editor of Tatler Singapore, Hashirin champions and refines the storytelling across platforms—curating and crafting compelling profiles, cover stories and features that spotlight visionaries shaping culture, business and impact. Driven by curiosity, she draws inspiration from the artists, changemakers and trailblazers she encounters through her work. Beyond the pages of Tatler, she is an avid supporter of local theatre and delights in seeking out art in every city she visits.
