Self-taught artist Lim Tze Peng is one of Singapore’s most prominent artists. His artworks do not adhere to the traditions of Western painting nor Chinese calligraphy. Instead, he adopts different aspects of art forms that appeal to him and, by doing so, envisions creating artworks that are universal.
Lim is an avid traveller who enjoys painting the cities he visits in plein air. Bali is one of Lim’s most frequented cities, and many of his works feature the different sights of the island. The Elephant Cave, or Goa Gajah, is a sanctuary for Hindu devotees seeking a place for spiritual meditation. The artist depicts the cavern meticulously, employing multiple bold strokes to accentuate the delicate details of its exterior. These lines gradually fade into the surroundings and bring dimension to the artwork. The soft background shows not only the artist’s technical proficiency but also his ability to capture the atmosphere of this sacred site in Bali.