But with time, the nature of Lim's paintings has gone through subsequent transformations that have now ventured into a wholly abstract area. Tan tells us that his initial paintings were of a Singapore that predates the ultra-modern city-state that it is today. She says, "He drew the Singapore River and Chinatown from memory. But after Independence [in 1963], the river area became quite sterile. The squatters and hawkers were relocated, for example. So, when people see Mr. Lim's paintings, they would get a glimpse of what Singapore was like before that time."

Lim's painting of Singapore before it was modernised

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She adds that the nonagenarian shifted interest towards Chinese calligraphy next. This might have to do with the fact that Lim is a Mandarin speaker who was born and brought up in Singapore, and thus felt a deep connect with a motherland he's never really known. That might also be the reason why he's recently been painting a lot of trees with deep roots. The possible symbolism of reaching out to where you stem from can't be ignored.

Till September 15, 10 am to 6 pm
At Dr Bhau Daji Lad Museum, Rani Baug, Byculla East.
Call 23731234

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