The late Singaporean artist Lim Mu Hue was renowned for his skilful and intricate woodcut prints. Trained in Western painting at the Nanyang Academy of Fine Arts from 1952 to 1955, Lim was mentored by the founding principal of the Academy, Lim Hak Tai and pioneer artists like Cheong Soo Pieng, Chen Wen Hsi and Chen Chong Swee. He was pivotal in developing woodcuts in Singapore’s art history during the 1950s and 1960s. Yet in Lim’s lifetime, he created a repertoire that includes artworks in charcoal, coloured pencil, pastel, oil, watercolour and Chinese ink.
Like numerous local artists of his generation, Lim was keen to develop art styles unique to Singapore. As such, Lim presented a penchant for drawing localised themes and impressions in his oeuvre. In Changi Seaside 1 & 2, Lim rendered the idyllic landscape, accompanied by Chinese written text. Lim's sketches evoke a sense of stillness with the negative space of the paper. Executed with charcoal in soft, swift spontaneous strokes and white chalk for highlights, the sketches capture the tranquil atmosphere of the landscape.
