The Private Art
Holiday Art Workshops & Courses

林子平

Lim Tze Peng

林子平

Lim Tze Peng

On September 28, 1921, Lim Tze Peng, a second-generation Nanyang style artist, was born in Singapore. His bright Chinese ink drawings of ancient Singapore, particularly of old Malay kampongs, Chinatown, and the Singapore River, are his most well-known works.

Over the course of his six-decade career as an artist, the ex-schoolteacher and self-taught artist has created a vast body of work that includes oil, Chinese ink, and, most recently, reimagined calligraphic paintings that show the artist’s progression from realism to ferocious expressionism, all while painting an evocative and delicate tale of Singapore’s past as seen by the common man. In 2003, he received the Cultural Medallion for his contributions to the visual arts in Singapore.

Lim Tze Peng taught himself to paint as a child. Since he was passionate about his hobby, he painted still lifes in watercolours and oils. In 1949, he graduated from Chung Cheng High School and went on to teach at Sin Min School, a primary school in Pasir Ris at the time. In 1951, he became the principal of Sin Min School, where he stayed until 1981, when he retired. Lim was a committed student who spent his academic career pursuing his passion for painting.

In 2003, he received the Cultural Medallion for his contributions to the visual arts in Singapore.

In 2003, he received the Cultural Medallion for his contributions to the visual arts in Singapore.

“林子平先生,生于1921年,曾是一位专业的教育工作者,后来成为自学成功的艺术家。作为中正校友,他在八十年代初期凭借一系列以独立后新加坡地标为主题的水墨画作品受到广泛关注。自小,林子平就孜孜不倦地研习书法,在中正求学期间曾受到杰出书法家黄载灵老师的启蒙。深厚的书法底蕴为他日后的创作打下了良好的基础,无论是他的水墨画还是西洋油画,我们都能清晰地看到书法笔墨线条的痕迹。

在从教学转向绘画后,林子平的艺术生涯在各个重要的画展中展现了无穷的创造力。尽管在1981年退休,他依然保持着对美术创作的热情。林子平在巴西立长大,学校的教学经历,包括在新民学校的工作,为他的美术事业打下了坚实的基础。

多年来,他苦心孤诣地精进自己的创作。到2000年底,他开创了“糊涂字”和彩色书法,为传统书画注入了创新的元素。这些作品根植于中华书法的传统,却从中展现出强烈的现代感。

从描绘牛车水昔日风景画到抽象表达,林子平的艺术风格不断演变。他是新加坡第一位在北京和上海成功举办画展的艺术家。他曾于1963年、1981年和2016年三度获颁国庆勋章。2003年,他获得新加坡艺术界的最高荣誉——文化奖章,以肯定他对新加坡艺坛所作出的杰出贡献。

他的妻子无私的支持成为他在百岁生活中的支柱。”

LIM TZE PENG'S

Achievements

Commonwealth Art Exhibition
Lim received the Special Prize at the 1977 Commonwealth Art Exhibition in England, highlighting his international acclaim. ​

1997

2003

Cultural Medallion Recipient
Lim was awarded Singapore’s highest artistic honor, the Cultural Medallion, recognizing his significant contributions to the nation’s cultural landscape.

Pioneer Exhibition in China
He became the first Singaporean artist invited to exhibit at the National Art Museum of China in Beijing, followed by a showcase at the Liu Haisu Art Museum in Shanghai. ​

2009

Artistic Evolution
His transition from traditional landscapes to expressive calligraphy in his later years has been widely celebrated, showcasing his adaptability and continuous growth as an artist. ​

LIM TZE PENG'S

Exhibitions

The Spirit of Ink
Showcased at the Dr. Bhau Daji Lad Museum in Mumbai, India, highlighting his mastery in ink painting.

2019

2020

A Century of Memories
Presented by Ode To Art, this virtual exhibition featured 20 new works reflecting on Singapore’s transformation. ​

Soul of Ink: Lim Tze Peng at 100
Held at The Arts House, this exhibition celebrated his centennial year with a showcase of his masterpieces. ​

2021

2023

From Lion City to London
Exhibited at the Saatchi Gallery in London during the Start Art Fair, marking his presence on the international stage. ​

Becoming Lim Tze Peng
A major solo exhibition at the National Gallery Singapore, tracing his artistic journey and evolution. ​

2024

Lim Tze Peng's

ARTWORK COLLECTION

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.