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 situated.

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.

My art 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 unexpectedly 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.

Rooted in universal perceptions and perspectives across the space-time continuum, I profess my art as an intuitive dance guided by the flow of creation. Surroundings suffused with idyllic beauty and accompanied by melodious music serve as catalysts to heighten the senses to uplift my creative process with zest and fulfillment.

In the 2000s, I began exploring an experimental approach to painting that involved folding and creasing watercolor paper. I was fascinated by how the surface itself could become part of the artwork, creating reliefs that interacted with light and shadow. On these textured surfaces, I layered watercolor, acrylic, and oil paints, letting the pigments respond to the paper’s contours. This exploration formed the foundation of my first solo exhibition in 2009, where the folded and creased works were the central focus. For several years after, I continued refining this technique, investigating depth, volume, and the structural possibilities of paper as more than just a passive surface.

After immersing myself in folded paper works, I felt the need to push my practice further. This led me to what I call my “Upcycled Art” phase. Here, I began incorporating both recycled and non-recycled materials into my paintings, integrating them with acrylic and oil paints to create richer, more varied textures,  randomly. To highlight contrast and depth, I experimented with surface finishes — coating certain areas with matte polyurethane and others with glossy epoxy, letting the differences play against each other.

For both phases — my folded paper works and my upcycled explorations — are part of my ongoing personal expression within the neo-expressionist movement. Bold textures, unconventional materials, and emotional intensity defining my creative endeavours. Together, these bodies of work chart my journey as an artist, from structural experiments with paper to material-based explorations that continue to evolve today.

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 alternative materials, 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 and body permit me. 

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.  For me, the realm of art creation and creativity knows no bounds. And Art—being a universal language—unites us all!

- HALim