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 en plein air. In the summer of 2000, he embarked on a two-month residency in Paris and explored the French capital with his paintbrushes in hand. Each day, as he observed the sights and sounds of the city, he captured his observations and experiences by painting. At the end of his residency, he painted over 60 works showcasing the city’s beauty. Out of these works, the Nanyang Academy of Fine Arts is honoured to receive 45 paintings as a personal donation by Lim – the largest contribution by an artist to the NAFA collection.

Catholic churches play a crucial role in defining European history. It is therefore unsurprising to find numerous churches – rich in history and culture – in Paris. Brushstrokes of various weights and tones dominate this artwork, accentuating the textures of the rough bricks that form the foundation of this religious site. Lim’s penchant for the tactility of urban landscapes is also found in Lim’s other art pieces of the city.