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.
The 1980s marked the beginning of Singapore’s rapid urbanisation. Observing the changes that were taking place on the island, Lim started his foray into painting local landscapes in plein air. Many of the actual places he depicted were demolished or redeveloped in the following years. While these paintings reflect the nation’s progress throughout the decades, it also evokes a longing for the past.
Kelong Scene is one of Lim’s paintings that depicts floating fishing farms. Despite his choice of a muted palette, the painting evokes a vibrant and lively spirit with its modulated and unrestrained brushstrokes. Experimenting with blacks of different tonal variations, Lim also brings depth to the artwork, suggesting the vastness of this quaint village.
