Experience halimarts Art Gallery

Lim HockAnn, also known as HALim, was born in Singapore in 1945. He is a practicing neo abstract-expressionist whose creative journey spans across Singapore, the Philippines, and in other countries where HALim happens to be located.

Inspired by his father, Lim Cheng Hoe, a renowned pioneer watercolorist, HALim developed a passion for art at a young age. His formal art education at the Nanyang Academy of Fine Arts (NAFA), Singapore, further honed his skills and expanded his artistic horizons. HALim's artistic development was greatly enriched by his exposure to a diverse range of influences. His father's collection of art books focusing on modern art practices, along with subscriptions to esteemed art journals such as "The Artist" and "The Studio" from the UK as well as "Art in America" from the USA, provided him with invaluable inspiration and insight into the global art scene. These influences continue to shape HALim's distinctive artistic voice characterized by his unique blend of Neo Abstract-Expressionism.

At the onset of the new millennium, I saw my new art concept of employing paper works, whereby I could  crease and/or fold the substrates to achieve textured surfaces at random areas chosen by me. Next, I layered various mediums of water color, acrylic and oil paints producing varying visual effects with intent as I felt deemed fit. The light and shadows of the hues were manifested on the substrate’s textured surface. Matte polyurethane and gloss epoxy layers were employed as final coatings to the overall composition.

Creations of this nature had been practised for almost a decade of which I held my first solo exhibition in 2009 prior to embarking on my next phase of art creation. 

The next phase, termed “the second phase” embodies a continuous journey of self-discovery and experimentation, manifesting as a series of revelatory moments. I fuse various paint mediums with recycled and non-recycled materials, transforming them into “upcycled” textured creations that find their place organically within my compositions. On occasions, I incorporate discarded materials to enrich my artistic palette with uniquely interesting results.

The choice and treatment of hues in my compositions are deliberately made to evoke a spectrum of emotions ranging from warmth and vitality to ethereal contemplation and intellectual engagement. These elements, woven into my work with varying degrees of prominence, extend beyond mere visual and tactile appeal to create emotional, cognitive, and immersive presence.

Like my earlier phase of creation, I employ similar coating mediums i.e polyurethane and epoxy layers to complete my artworks.  

For both phases — my folded-creased paper works and my upcycled explorations — are part of my ongoing personal expression within the neo-expressionist movement.

In addition to my personal explorations, I have accumulated extensive experience in executing large-scale abstract pieces often commissioned as thematic wall art tailored to the individual preferences of clients. Undertaking such projects on-site enables me to seamlessly integrate my artistic vision with the ambient environment to produce holistically immersive and emotive creations.

As an abstract artist, I thrive on pushing the boundaries of contemporary art expression. Pouring and splashing paint onto surfaces, whether it be paper, canvas, or other substrates, allows me to channel my inner impulses and emotions into tangible forms. 

My commitment to thinking outside the box ensures a continuous exploration of diverse abstract genres—a journey I intend to pursue as long as my mind, body and soul allows me to do so.

Regardless of my advanced age, I embody an indomitable spirit armed with grit, guts, gusto, and gumption to confront challenges head-on in pursuit of my ultimate goal—this, I firmly trust is ongoing.  For me, the realm of art creation and creativity knows no bounds. And Art—being a universal language—unites us all!