Lim Mu Hue was born in Singapore in 1936. NAFA alumnus and educator, Lim who was trained in Western painting, was renowned for his skillful and elaborate woodblock prints. Drawing inspiration from kampong scenes, puppet theatres and changing landscapes of Singapore, Lim’s paintings were rich in local themes. One of the most innovative artists of his generation, Lim had explored and integrated Chinese and Western painting methods and concepts to develop his own distinctive style.
Lim Mu Hue: an inventive life includes a selection of over 100 works and preparatory sketches from 1950s to most recently before his passing, chosen from the collection of the artist’s family, NUS Museum and private art collectors to showcase his versatility in various mediums such as charcoal, pastel, oil, watercolour and Chinese ink. The book also includes sketches of Lim’s last mural installation at the Esplanade MRT station completed in 2008. An essay by Ms Bridget Tracy Tan, Director of the Institute of Southeast Asian Arts and Art Galleries, NAFA, explores the life and art of Lim.