PM Wong & President Tharman pay tribute to Lim Tze Peng, S'pore's oldest living artist who died at 103
He had been hospitalised for pneumonia a month ago.

Singapore's oldest living artist, Lim Tze Peng, has passed away at the age of 103.
Lim was renowned for capturing life in Singapore from the 1960s to the 80s through more than 600 ink paintings.
According to Lianhe Zaobao, he passed away at 6pm on Feb. 3.
His eldest son, Lim Su Kok, was quoted as saying that his father had been hospitalised for pneumonia a month ago.
Tributes have since poured in for the late Lim, including from Prime Minister Lawrence Wong and President Tharman Shanmugaratnam.
PM Wong: Singapore has lost "one of its most significant" artists
In a Facebook post on Feb. 3, PM Wong wrote that Singapore "has lost one of its most significant artists".
PM Wong highlighted how Lim had captured the "spirit" of a rapidly evolving nation through his art.
He also noted that Lim had received the Cultural Medallion in 2003 and described his contributions to Singapore’s cultural landscape as "immeasurable".
"He painted daily — even in his later years — attributing his longevity to this unwavering passion for creativity," PM Wong added.
The Prime Minister then concluded by expressing condolences to Lim's family.
He wrote:
"My heartfelt condolences go out to his family and loved ones during this time of loss. May they find comfort in knowing that his legacy will live on, continuing to inspire generations through the beauty and soul of his work."
President Tharman: "Showed us how life itself can be painted"
President Tharman also thanked Lim for his "remarkable contribution to Singapore art and national identity."
He wrote, "Lim Tze Peng also showed us how life itself can be painted."
The President noted that Lim grew up poor in a kampong in Pasir Ris and had extracted oil from more than 100 coconuts every day to make a living. He also fell in love with art in his youth.
However, for decades after, he served as an educator, teaching first in Hokkien then Mandarin, and becoming renowned as principal of the old Sin Ming School for 30 years.
Following his retirement from education, he returned to his first love full-time.
President Tharman wrote, "Art consumed his days. He was eventually conferred the Cultural Medallion in 2003."
The President also highlighted the ongoing exhibition of Lim's work at the National Gallery, which covers his work over eight decades and includes his ink paintings of Singapore's changing scenes, to his calligraphy and abstract art.
Titled "Becoming Lim Tze Peng", the exhibition will run until Mar. 23, 2025.
DPM Heng Swee Keat: Began each morning practising Chinese calligraphy
Tribute to the artist was also paid by Deputy Prime Minister Heng Swee Keat, who described Lim as an "iconic figure" in Singapore's art scene.
According to Heng, Lim started his artistic journey through calligraphy and later brought Singapore’s cultural landscape to life through his unique ink style.
"His works vividly depicted the charm of old Singapore, from Chinatown to the Singapore River, capturing the essence of life in the 70s and 80s," Heng wrote.
In addition, Lim remained an "active and innovative" artist, even in his centennial years, Heng pointed out.
Heng then recounted the last time he met Lim at the launch of his National Gallery exhibition in October 2024.
He added:
"At 103, he spoke with such strength and vitality, his passion for art shining through in every word. He shared that he began each morning practising Chinese calligraphy — an unwavering daily ritual that kept him sharp and engaged. This lifelong commitment to learning and creating is something we can all take inspiration from."
National Gallery Singapore: Deeply saddened by his passing
The National Gallery Singapore also issued a statement on Lim's passing, adding that they were filled with "deep sorrow".
"His long and prolific life was marked by artistic brilliance, dedication, and a profound connection to his heritage. He will be deeply missed by all who knew him and his art," the statement said.
The gallery also described the impact of Lim's art as such:
"Born in Singapore in 1921, Lim Tze Peng occupies a unique position in Singapore’s art history for his paintings of everyday life and his persistent innovations in the genres of ink painting and calligraphy. He was renowned for his ability to infuse contemporary relevance by engaging in meaningful dialogues with diverse traditions and modernities of painting. His works allowed audiences to connect with the making of Singapore’s cultural identities through the lens of art and captured the evolving spirit of nation-building here.
Even in his final years, Lim Tze Peng’s unwavering dedication to his craft served as a testament to the power of perseverance and passion. His work will continue to inspire future generations in the arts and beyond, resonating with those who seek meaning in both the simplicity and complexity of life’s fleeting moments. As we bid farewell, we celebrate not only his life but the enduring legacy he leaves behind. His art will live on, as a timeless reminder of the beauty and reality he created and shared with the world."
The Chief Executive Officer and the Director of National Gallery Singapore, Eugene Tan, added:
"We are deeply saddened by the passing of Lim Tze Peng, a visionary whose unwavering dedication to his craft and passion for Singapore’s heritage have shaped generations of artists and art lovers. His works not only document the changing landscapes of our nation but also highlight the profound role of art in shaping cultural identity.
On behalf of everyone at National Gallery Singapore, we extend our deepest condolences to his family and loved ones during this difficult time. We are honoured to have had the opportunity to share and present his artistic journey, and we will continue to celebrate his remarkable legacy. His vision and passion will live on, inspiring generations to come."
More on the life of Lim Tze Peng
Left Painting by Lim Tze Peng; photo courtesy of Woon Tai Ho; photographer: Terence Tan, right photo by Ode to Art Gallery
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