As the island remains in the throes of nostalgia, what with the Pearl Bank Apartments gloom freshly reignited in everyone’s minds, another photographer is adding to the feels. Flexing his sentimental muscle, 87-year-old veteran photographer Lim Kwong Ling will be exhibiting his portraits of post-independence Singapore come June.
Portrait of Home will present more than 55 of Lim’s black and white photographs of those coveted early days in the 1960s and ‘70s. Taken in the photography styles of pictorialism (a late 19th century style that included a degree of manipulation to the photo) and modernism, they paint a quietly provocative picture of Singapore. Peruse scenes ranging from iconic landmarks to aerial landscapes of the island, to everyday life on the streets, as the collection documents Lim’s own experience with his rapidly changing country.
An active member of the local salon and art photography scene since the ‘70s, Lim has paid his dues as Honorary President of the Photo-Art Association of Singapore, Vice President for The Society of Worldwide Ethnic Chinese Photographers—and in contributing to the development of Singapore photography in countless other roles. His work is also in the collection of the National Gallery Singapore. For both younger and established photographers alike, it’s worth a bookmark in the calendar.
Children playing at Mata Ikan
Kampung kids
Potong Pasir
Mr Lim’s children outside their home
Singapore River aerial view
Boys selling curry puffs, Marine Parade
Portrait of Home runs from Jun 20-Jul 28 at Chapel Gallery, Objectifs Centre for Photography and Film. More information here.
