Artist: Lim Leong Seng (b. 1950)
Mr Lim Leong Seng (林龙成) is a full-time sculptor and artist based in Singapore, and he has been a member of the Singapore Modern Art Society since 1977 and was even elected its President in 2001. He has held seven solo exhibitions and numerous group exhibitions in Southeast Asia, Taiwan, Japan, Paris, London and Belgium.
Mr Lim’s works are diverse and experimental at times, and he is proficient in the use of bronze, steel, collage work and mixed media in his artworks. His works are widely seen at prominent public locations, including one of his earliest award winning wall mural ‘Expression’ at the Kallang Theatre, ‘Mid-Autumn Lantern Procession (2001)’ at Telok Ayer Green and ‘In loving memory of Ah Meng, the Orang Utan (2007)’, ‘Family Ties (2006)’ and ‘Orang Asli (2005)’at the Singapore Zoological Gardens just to name a few. To date, Lim Leong Seng is one of Singapore’s most iconic and successful sculpture artists.
The Chinese saying “Women hold up half the sky” is an apt description for samsui (三水) women, a name derived from a Canton district where most of them came from. Flooding in from different regions in China, predominantly Guangdong (then called Canton), Shunde, and Dongguan, many Chinese women migrated to Singapore in the mid-1930s in search of a better life outside their poor hometown. A portion of the migrant women became domestic servants for wealthy families or worked in tin mines and rubber estates, while the majority found employment in construction sites as labourers. These samsui women were also recognisable by the red scarf used to wrap their heads to prevent distractions as they carried building materials and cleared debris.
Mr Lim salutes these thrifty, reliant individuals who built up much of Singapore’ infrastructure. Always carrying a hand tool, these industrious females in Mr Lim Leong Seng’s works are either hard at work or on the way to the construction site. In one special edition, the sculptor even uses bronze to show the value of samsui women to Singapore’s cultural, historical, and architectural landscape. These intricate pieces by Mr Lim allow art goers to reminisce about the golden olden days as they study the diligent and concentrated expression of the samsui women who work tirelessly. Intentionally excluding their torso or part of their body, Mr Lim may also be alluding to the one-dimensional view of samsui women who had lives outside their work that were overshadowed by their contributions. These flesh-and-blood women had families, children, and friends, and they were part of the Singapore community for an extended period of time. Like locals, each one had a story to tell, a hometown they missed, and people they loved.
Taking inspiration from the cover photo of “The Straits Chinese House: Domestic Life and Traditions” by Peter Lee and Jennifer Chen, Mr Lim depicts a Peranakan family of four in traditional wedding costume. The serious-looking green sculptures of the Peranakan family greet art appreciators who stop to analyse the carefully crafted pieces. Mr Lim’s meticulous works are highly detailed with each stitch, crease, and button on the sculptures’ formal attire visible to the audience. Standing upright and with an air of supreme self-assurance, the four pear green characters inject their surroundings with grace, dignity, and confidence that is heightened by their glamorous garments and accessories.
Known for their grand celebrations with elaborate rites and customs, weddings in Peranakan culture are an especially significant event as they celebrate the union of two joyous families. However, some have lamented the dilution of Peranakan festivities in modern times which may signify a withering Peranakan cultural heritage. Mr Lim’s choice of subject for this sculpture is thus important in raising awareness about the richness of Peranakan culture and why it is worth preserving.
Mr Lim Leong Seng takes pride in his Asian heritage and values as he captures Singapore’s multicultural heritage in his works. A multi-award winner of prizes such as the Grand Prize in the 1990 MCI Art Competition, the Jurors’ Choice in Philip Morris Group of Companies Singapore Art Awards in 1997, and the Tan Tsze Chor Art Award – Gold in 1997, Mr Lim is an acclaimed sculptor who has won the hearts of many locals and foreigners with his endearing pieces that embody the Singapore essence.
