Lim Cheng Hoe, Kampong at Tanah Merah, 1947
Watercolour on paper
23.5 cm x 32 cm (visible), 43 x 50.5 x 4 cm (framed)
Certificate of Authenticity available
Condition: Good, mould is visible on the mat board and pinhole marks left by the artist are visible on the four corners of the work.
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Lim Cheng Hoe (Singaporean, 1912-1979) was a transcendent self-taught artist renowned for his mastery of watercolour painting and his dedication to capturing the local landscapes and everyday life of Singapore. As one of the pioneers of the watercolour movement in the region, he played a vital role in establishing ‘plein air’ painting as a prominent artistic practice in Singapore. Lim was a founding member of the Singapore Watercolour Society, contributing significantly to its development and prominence.
This incredible piece is two-sided, with pinhole marks on the corners of the work, indicating that the painting was completed in the outdoors in front of subjects and setting. The economical use of both sides of the paper was typical of Lim, he lived a modest life, material was expensive and hard to come by, painting on both side meant he could save paper.
This work reflects his deep sensitivity to light, atmosphere, and the nuances of nature, often depicting scenes of rivers, boats, street vendors, and kampongs with delicate yet precise brushwork. His ability to render the tropical light and reflections of water earned him wide acclaim for his technical prowess. His works combines realistic depictions with an impressionistic touch, capturing fleeting moments with a timeless quality. His compositions convey a quiet simplicity, infused with a profound appreciation for the beauty of Singapore’s urban and rural environments. These pieces portray the beauty in living on the beach and Asian culture, aligning with Lim’s typical style.
Though Lim worked primarily as a clerk, his passion for painting never waned. His artistic philosophy, focused on observation and sincerity, was rooted in his belief that art should reflect life as authentically as possible. Lim's legacy remains monumental in Singapore’s art history, his art continues to inspire new generations of watercolourists and is celebrated as part of the nation's cultural heritage.
Acquired directly from the Estate of the Artist.
(Photographed in January 2025)
Watercolour on paper
23.5 cm x 32 cm (visible), 43 x 50.5 x 4 cm (framed)
Certificate of Authenticity available
Condition: Good, mould is visible on the mat board and pinhole marks left by the artist are visible on the four corners of the work.
-
Lim Cheng Hoe (Singaporean, 1912-1979) was a transcendent self-taught artist renowned for his mastery of watercolour painting and his dedication to capturing the local landscapes and everyday life of Singapore. As one of the pioneers of the watercolour movement in the region, he played a vital role in establishing ‘plein air’ painting as a prominent artistic practice in Singapore. Lim was a founding member of the Singapore Watercolour Society, contributing significantly to its development and prominence.
This incredible piece is two-sided, with pinhole marks on the corners of the work, indicating that the painting was completed in the outdoors in front of subjects and setting. The economical use of both sides of the paper was typical of Lim, he lived a modest life, material was expensive and hard to come by, painting on both side meant he could save paper.
This work reflects his deep sensitivity to light, atmosphere, and the nuances of nature, often depicting scenes of rivers, boats, street vendors, and kampongs with delicate yet precise brushwork. His ability to render the tropical light and reflections of water earned him wide acclaim for his technical prowess. His works combines realistic depictions with an impressionistic touch, capturing fleeting moments with a timeless quality. His compositions convey a quiet simplicity, infused with a profound appreciation for the beauty of Singapore’s urban and rural environments. These pieces portray the beauty in living on the beach and Asian culture, aligning with Lim’s typical style.
Though Lim worked primarily as a clerk, his passion for painting never waned. His artistic philosophy, focused on observation and sincerity, was rooted in his belief that art should reflect life as authentically as possible. Lim's legacy remains monumental in Singapore’s art history, his art continues to inspire new generations of watercolourists and is celebrated as part of the nation's cultural heritage.
Acquired directly from the Estate of the Artist.
(Photographed in January 2025)
Watercolour on paper
23.5 cm x 32 cm (visible), 43 x 50.5 x 4 cm (framed)
Certificate of Authenticity available
Condition: Good, mould is visible on the mat board and pinhole marks left by the artist are visible on the four corners of the work.
-
Lim Cheng Hoe (Singaporean, 1912-1979) was a transcendent self-taught artist renowned for his mastery of watercolour painting and his dedication to capturing the local landscapes and everyday life of Singapore. As one of the pioneers of the watercolour movement in the region, he played a vital role in establishing ‘plein air’ painting as a prominent artistic practice in Singapore. Lim was a founding member of the Singapore Watercolour Society, contributing significantly to its development and prominence.
This incredible piece is two-sided, with pinhole marks on the corners of the work, indicating that the painting was completed in the outdoors in front of subjects and setting. The economical use of both sides of the paper was typical of Lim, he lived a modest life, material was expensive and hard to come by, painting on both side meant he could save paper.
This work reflects his deep sensitivity to light, atmosphere, and the nuances of nature, often depicting scenes of rivers, boats, street vendors, and kampongs with delicate yet precise brushwork. His ability to render the tropical light and reflections of water earned him wide acclaim for his technical prowess. His works combines realistic depictions with an impressionistic touch, capturing fleeting moments with a timeless quality. His compositions convey a quiet simplicity, infused with a profound appreciation for the beauty of Singapore’s urban and rural environments. These pieces portray the beauty in living on the beach and Asian culture, aligning with Lim’s typical style.
Though Lim worked primarily as a clerk, his passion for painting never waned. His artistic philosophy, focused on observation and sincerity, was rooted in his belief that art should reflect life as authentically as possible. Lim's legacy remains monumental in Singapore’s art history, his art continues to inspire new generations of watercolourists and is celebrated as part of the nation's cultural heritage.
Acquired directly from the Estate of the Artist.
(Photographed in January 2025)