With recent Artist Lim Tze Peng's passing, is now the right time to collect his artworks?

Lim Tze Peng
lim tze peng art legacy Asia Art Collective & Visual Arts Centre

Lim Tze Peng 林子平

With recent artist Lim Tze Peng's passing, is now the right time to collect his artworks?

Singaporean artist Lim Tze Peng passed away on Feb 3, 2025, 6pm, at the age of 103. Notably Lim Tze Peng was the Cultural Medallion recipient in 2003. He was born on September 28, 1921, in a kampung at Pasir Ris, Singapore.

Lim_Tze_Peng_artwork (View of Singapore River)_67x132cm
Lim_Tze_Peng_artwork (View of Singapore River)_67x132cm (Asia Art Collective's collection)

Educational & career background:

Educated in Chung Cheng High School. In 1949, Lim Tze Peng was the primary school teacher at Xin Min School. 1951-1981. Since then, he became a full time artist. Lim Tze Peng was renowned for his Chinese ink paintings and calligraphy. His artistic journey was marked by a deep commitment to documenting Singapore’s evolving landscapes and cultural heritage.

Lim_Tze_Peng_artwork ( A Busy Day at Quay_120x120cm)
Lim_Tze_Peng_artwork ( A Busy Day at Quay_120x120cm) (Asia Art Collective's collection)

Artworks & Exhibition:

Lim Tze Peng is best known for his evocative ink paintings of old Chinatown and the Singapore River, capturing scenes of daily life and architectural details that have since transformed due to urban development. His “Old Singapore” series, initiated in 1981, comprises ink paintings depicting various locales such as Teochew Street, Amoy Street, Chinatown, Elgin Bridge, and shop houses. This extensive body of work serves as a valuable visual record of Singapore’s changing cityscape. 

Lim_Tze_Peng_artwork (Fruit Stores at the Market_67x66cm)
Lim_Tze_Peng_artwork (Fruit Stores at the Market_67x66cm) (Asia Art Collective's collection)

In 2000, He participated in an artists’ residency at the Cité Internationale des Arts in Paris, where he created a series of paintings capturing the essence of Parisian landmarks and street scenes. Lim Tze Peng later donated 45 of these works to the Nanyang Academy of Fine Arts (NAFA). 

Lim_Tze_Peng_artwork (Street Market Wholesalers_ 67x67cm)
Lim_Tze_Peng_artwork (Street Market Wholesalers_ 67x67cm) (Asia Art Collective's collection)

Throughout his illustrious career, Lim held numerous solo and group exhibitions both locally and internationally. Notable exhibitions include his first solo show in 1970, the “Singapore Artists Art Exhibition” in Moscow in 1978, and his solo exhibition at the National Art Museum of China in 2009, making him the first Singaporean artist to achieve this honor. 

Lim_Tze_Peng_artwork (The River Runs Red by Yue Fei_267x159cm)
Lim_Tze_Peng_artwork (The River Runs Red by Yue Fei_267x159cm) (Asia Art Collective's collection)
Lim_Tze_Peng_artwork (LP-Autumn Morning_144x360.5cm) (Asia Art Collective's collection)
Lim_Tze_Peng_artwork (LP-Autumn Morning_144x360.5cm) (Asia Art Collective's collection)

Achievements & Recognition:

In 2012, he became the first living Singaporean artist to have a work sold for more than $100,000 at an auction. 

Lim_Tze_Peng_artwork (Happiness_94.5x87.5cm)
Lim_Tze_Peng_artwork (Happiness_94.5x87.5cm) (Asia Art Collective's collection)

Lim’s contributions to the arts were recognized with several accolades, including the Public Administration Medal (PPA) in 1963, the Special Prize at the Commonwealth Art Exhibition in England in 1977, the Public Service Medal (PBM) in 1981, and the Pingat Jasa Gemilang (Meritorious Service Medal) in 2016. 

Lim_Tze_Peng_artwork (Autumn Morning by Xu Hun_250.5x211.5cm)
Lim_Tze_Peng_artwork (Autumn Morning by Xu Hun_250.5x211.5cm) (Asia Art Collective's collection)
Lim_Tze_Peng_artwork ( Abstract Calligraphy_ 148x126cm) (Asia Art Collective's collection)
Lim_Tze_Peng_artwork ( Abstract Calligraphy_ 148x126cm) (Asia Art Collective's collection)

In his later years, Lim remained an active artist, continuing to create and exhibit his works. In 2021, at the age of 100, he held a solo exhibition titled “Soul of Ink: Lim Tze Peng at 100” at The Arts House in Singapore. In 2025, National Gallery Singapore celebrated Lim Tze Peng by hosting a solo exhibition “Becoming Lim Tze Peng” for the public.

Lim_Tze_Peng_artwork (BD Tree Series_ 100x103cm)
Lim_Tze_Peng_artwork (BD Tree Series_ 100x103cm) (Asia Art Collective's collection)
Lim_Tze_Peng_artwork (BD Tree Series_100x103cm) (Asia Art Collective's collection)
Lim_Tze_Peng_artwork (BD Tree Series_100x103cm) (Asia Art Collective's collection)

To remember Lim Tze Peng’s art legacy, Asia Art Collective is proud to present Lim Tze Peng’s artworks. For Lim Tze Peng’s art collection, please enquire with us. We will provide free art consultation and art market analysis. 

About Asia Art Collective:

Asia Art Collective was established in 2013. We strive to provide high-quality services in the fields of art consultancy, art marketing, art collecting, publishing, as well as to represent artists, commissioning artworks and provide professional art courses.

Asia Art Collective has organised over 50 visual art exhibitions and events, promoting artists from all over the world, representing artists with strong artistic skills and distinct personal style. Artworks are also professionally curated by Asia Art Collective consultants based on technique and style.

Contact Us: 

Phone: +65 6255 0711 / 6733 2155
Email: info@visualartscentre.sg

More Blogs/ Case Studies/ Events/ Featured Artists

Foundation In Digital Art

Embark on a captivating journey into the vibrant world of digital art! Our Foundation in Digital Art workshop invites budding creatives aged nine and above to unleash their imagination and hone their artistic skills in a dynamic, supportive environment. From mastering basic digital tools to crafting mesmerizing digital masterpieces, children will explore a spectrum of techniques guided by seasoned mentors. Through hands-on activities and interactive sessions, participants will discover the endless possibilities of digital expression while fostering creativity and critical thinking. Join us for an exhilarating adventure where young artists transform ideas into stunning visual realities, igniting a passion for digital art

Colour & Texture Exploration With Acrylic Painting & Collage
Prepare to unleash your inner artist in a kaleidoscope of color and creativity with ‘Colour Blast: Acrylic Painting & Collage Techniques’! Dive into a whirlwind adventure where vibrant hues and mesmerizing textures collide in a symphony of imagination. From mastering the art of seamless color blending to discovering the magic of mixed media collage, this journey is a playground for your artistic soul. With each brushstroke, explore new techniques that breathe life into your canvas, transforming it into a vibrant tapestry of expression. Join us and let your creativity run wild as you embark on this colorful escapade!”
World of Manga [Foundation & Styling]
A manga art workshop for children and teenagers sounds like a fantastic idea! Here’s how you might structure it:
Introduction to Manga: Begin by introducing what manga is, its history, and its influence on popular culture worldwide. Show examples of different manga styles and genres to give participants an overview.
Basic Drawing Techniques: Start with the fundamentals of drawing, such as line work, shapes, and proportions. Provide step-by-step instructions on how to draw basic manga characters, focusing on simple shapes that can be built upon.
Character Design: Move on to character design concepts, including creating unique characters, designing their personalities, and developing backstories. Encourage participants to get creative and think outside the box.
Expression and Emotion: Teach how to convey emotions and expressions through facial expressions, body language, and positioning of characters. This can be a fun and interactive exercise where participants practice drawing various emotions.
Storytelling and Paneling: Explore the basics of storytelling in manga, including paneling techniques, pacing, and layout. Show examples of different panel structures and discuss how they affect the flow of the story.
Inking and Coloring: Introduce participants to inking techniques using pens or markers. You can also cover digital inking for those interested. Then, demonstrate basic coloring techniques using markers, colored pencils, or digital software.
Feedback and Collaboration: Provide opportunities for participants to share their work and receive feedback from their peers and instructors. Encourage collaboration by having them work together on short manga projects or collaborative drawings.
Final Showcase: End the workshop with a showcase of participants’ work. This could be in the form of an exhibition, digital gallery, or printed booklet. Celebrate everyone’s creativity and progress throughout the workshop.
Remember to create a supportive and encouraging environment where participants feel free to express themselves and explore their creativity. And don’t forget to have fun! Manga is all about imagination and passion, so let that spirit shine through in your workshop.
Academy Drawing Traditions
The academy drawing and sketching tradition, rooted in centuries of artistic practice, emphasizes disciplined study of form, proportion, and technique. Originating from Renaissance workshops and formalized by institutions like the Royal Academy, it prioritizes meticulous observation and mastery of fundamental skills. Students progress from basic exercises to complex compositions, learning to depict still life and common objects with precision and expression. This tradition values both classical principles and innovation, encouraging artists to push boundaries while maintaining a deep respect for tradition. Through rigorous training and critique, artists within this tradition cultivate a strong foundation for creative exploration and artistic excellence.
Chinese Ink Painting and Calligraphy
This course on Chinese ink painting and calligraphy introduces young learners to the rich traditions of Chinese art. Through hands-on activities, students explore the basics of brush techniques, ink control, and the delicate art of Chinese script. They learn to appreciate the cultural significance of calligraphy and painting, developing skills in creating elegant strokes and expressive brushwork. The course fosters creativity, patience, and fine motor skills, while also providing insights into Chinese history and aesthetics. By the end, children gain confidence in their artistic abilities and a deeper understanding of Chinese cultural heritage.
Funk with Graffiti
Funk With Graffiti Workshop for children is an engaging and creative program aimed at introducing young artists to the vibrant world of graffiti and funk-inspired street style art. Participants learn the basics of graffiti history, techniques, and safety. Guided by professional graffiti artists, children explore the art of designing their unique tags, emphasizing creativity, expression, and individuality. The workshop includes hands-on activities, from sketching concepts to creating final designs with spray paint on provided surfaces. By the end of the session, children gain confidence in their artistic abilities and an appreciation for graffiti and funk as legitimate forms of street art. Each child completes two original artworks, which they proudly take home, showcasing their newfound skills and personal style.
Batik Tales

In the Batik Introduction Handkerchief Painting workshop, participants will learn the traditional art of batik, a wax-resist dyeing technique originating from Indonesia. The workshop begins with a brief history and overview of batik, highlighting its cultural significance and various techniques. Participants will then observe a demonstration of applying wax with tjanting tools and dyeing the fabric. Following the demonstration, each participant will design and create their own batik handkerchief, applying wax to create patterns and then dyeing their fabric. The workshop concludes with a group discussion, allowing participants to share their creations and reflect on their learning experience.