Sim Kah Lim
BORN: 1968
HOMETOWN: SINGAPORE
LIVES AND WORKS: SINGAPORE
When asked about the famous artist from the Institute of Mental Health (IMH), most people can quickly relate it to Mr Sim Kah Lim. For he is not only well known for his extraordinary skills in painting, but as an artist who was diagnosed with schizophrenia and paints accurately from memory.
He started painting at a tender age of eight and wanted to be a professional painter when he grew up. Sadly, his dream was dashed when he started having hallucinations and was diagnosed with schizophrenia at the age of 15. He was sent to the then Woodbridge Hospital and has been in IMH since.
His paintings on canvas celebrate scenes of old Singapore including Boat Quay and Chinatown. Using a mix of mediums from watercolour, acrylic to oil pastels, his paintings are vibrant and full of life. He pays specific attention to details and one would think he has spent much time painting by the Singapore River or in Chinatown.
It is through his art that Sim Kah Lim finds order, focus and clarity in expressing himself.