Portrait of Lim Loh

In this portrait by Xu Beihong, the artist depicts Lim Chee Gee, also known as “Lim Loh”. Lim was involved in the construction of many landmark buildings such as Victoria Memorial Hall, Parliament House and Goodwood Park Hotel. He was also the father of Lim Bo Seng, a well-known Chinese resistance fighter during the second World War. Here, Xu portrays Lim in a distinguished manner. Taking up almost the entire length of the painting, Lim stands tall and proud, dressed in fine Chinese clothes. He poses with a hand-held fan, a symbol of the literati in China. Showing Lim in this way honours him as one of Singapore’s pioneers. The artist was one of the earliest Chinese artists to train in Europe. As a result, he was instrumental in introducing and promoting Western techniques into Chinese ink painting. During his time in Singapore, his influence was felt in artistic circles, particularly through his exhibitions. Local artists were able to learn and observe how Western modernism and Eastern aesthetic sensibilities could be combined. The Portrait of Lim Loh is both a tribute to the artistic genius of Xu Beihong, and also a celebration of one of Singapore’s pioneers.