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.
Drawing inspiration from the changing landscape of Singapore, Lim documented his observations of Jurong. This mangrove swamp became an industrial estate, as seen in the work View of Jurong Town. Here, most of the land has since been levelled. Yet, a few low hills remain in the image, which Lim renders in charcoal. The rich black tonalities of the charcoal pencil bring textures to the foliage patterns and contrast the composition of otherwise soft-coloured lines. This work exemplifies Lim’s drawing finesse, especially in this medium.
