I befriended Tai Ho through Mr. George Yeo when we met to talk about the latter’s biography. Tai Ho is the author of the three series. At another occasion at Tai Ho’s house, he presented me a copy of his award-winning book–Soul of Ink: Lim Tze Peng at 100. The said book had won the inaugural Alan Chan Spirit of Singapore Book Prize in 2022.
The book pays tribute to the remarkable achievement of the artistic renaissance at 100 of artist Lim Tze Peng. It traces the lean years of his artistic developments, relives the controversy of his artistic innovation in Chinese calligraphy, and then his eventual breakthroughs in abstract paintings. Throughout the book, the focus is on the man, and how a good man becomes a good artist, that gives life to him and his family. In the one century, Mr. Lim has moved from a farmer, teacher, principal and then an artist. It is his sheer endurance and stamina that has seen him out-last both his friends and critics alike, since the 1940s.
While his hard work on the art was premature and melancholy, his achievements came late. He got the Cultural Medallion at 82 and the Meritorious Service at 95. As usual, Mr. Lim accepted all these in good faith as he was used to endure the vagaries of fate. His latest works were bigger, bolder, and boosting far more colour than ever before, his art was as invigorating as that of a young man, whilst embodying the soul of a sage.
Three Selected Chapters
- Chapter 2- Beginnings: Neither Eastern nor Western. This was where Mr. Lim started as an artist. Three things are certain. Firstly, he didn’t start well. He actually struggled as an artist for a start. He was fortunate that there was a farm at home at the old Pasir Ris Kampong, and he had a job as a teacher/principal at Sin Min Sec School. Secondly, his artistic theme was neither Chinese calligraphy nor Western colour. This had attracted some criticism. Finally, he said, “Even with talent, without help from friends, without opportunity, no one would know me.” This shows his humility and friendliness. Mr. Lim was also a patriotic Artist. He said, “I am a patriotic artist. An artist should paint his country, his hometown first. If an artist is cut off from his homeland, he would be like a tree without roots. I want to produce good art about Singapore, art that’s worth preserving.”
- Chapter 3- Trees: The most powerful symbol of renewal Mr. Lim found inspiration in the strength and resilience of trees. He said that it was interesting to look at trees after a storm. Large branches might have broken, parts of the trunk damaged, the bark torn or gouged and foliage shredded or stripped, but fear not– trees survive adversities better than most things in nature. They were the hardiest living things he know, the most powerful symbol of renewal. In addition, Mr. Lim also said that he got inspiration from everywhere. When it rained and the sky was red, he saw a painting in the sky. He started to paint. Finally, roots were imbued with extraordinary significance in Mr. Lim vocabulary. Famously he once said, “To me, a life without art is like a tree without roots.”
- Chapter 8- Q&A
- Tai Ho: What else do you wish for at 100?
- Mr. Lim: Sometimes, when I don’t have an appetite and cannot eat, I feel I am dying. Then I walk into the studio. When I see the brushes, the colours, and the paper, I am invigorated. When I start to paint, I feel alive. So art keeps me alive. What do I wish for? Give me a few more years, I can achieve even more. Everyone contributes differently, I am born for art and my contribution is in art. You can liver to 200 years, it will be a short life if you haven’t made a meaningly contribution.
Key Takeaways
- This book is a very well written book, and is a must read for art lovers. It presents a great artist in Lim Tze Peng and his art renaissance for one century in his beloved country of Singapore.
- For novice art appreciators like myself, this book makes me fall in love with Mr Lim, his art and his art journey.
#Soul of Ink #Lim Tze Peng #Woon Tai Ho
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