Lim Hak Tai | 林学大


1893 - 1634









Lim Hak Tai (1893–1963) is widely regarded as one of the founding figures of Singapore’s modern art movement and a pioneer of art education in the region. In 1938, he established the Nanyang Academy of Fine Arts (NAFA), the first formal art institution in Singapore, with the vision of nurturing young artists and creating a platform where Eastern and Western art traditions could meet. Lim strongly believed that art should reflect cultural identity and everyday life, which led to the development of the Nanyang style — a unique fusion of Western artistic techniques with Asian subjects, motifs, and sensibilities. As an educator, he was deeply committed to his students, inspiring them not only to master technique but also to think critically and innovate. His dedication to art and teaching helped shape generations of artists, many of whom became key figures in Southeast Asia’s art history. Lim Hak Tai’s legacy continues to live on through NAFA and the vibrant art community that he helped to build.










Timeline






1893                      Born in Xiamen, China

1913 - 1915            Studied and graduated from Fujian Provincial Training College in Fuzhou (福州省立高等师范学校) in applied arts (图画手工专修科)

1923                     Co-founded Xiamen Academy of Fine Arts (厦门美术专门学校) with Huang SuiBi (黄燧弼) and Yang GengTang (杨庚堂)

1938                     Founded and became the founding principal of Nanyang Academy of Fine Arts (南洋美专) 

1949                      Exhibited at the 8th Society of Chinese Artists annual show 

1952                     Exhibited at the 11th Society of Chinese Artists annual show

1954                      Exhibited at the annual show celebrating 16th anniversary of Nanyang Academy of Fine Arts

1955                      Exhibited at part of group show by seven Malayan artists, organised by Singapore Art Society at the Imperial Institue in London

1958                      Became honorary advisor to the Equator Art Society, founded by his Son, Lim Yew Kuan

1962                      Bestowed the Certificate of Honour (Sijil Kemuliaan) at Singapore’s 1st National Days honours ceremony.

1963                      Passed away in 14 February








Selected Work







Calligraphy Couplet in Clerical Script
( 隶书对联 )
Ink Painting
43 cm x 149 cm


Sparrows & Plum Blossoms
( 麻雀与梅花 )
Ink Painting
37 cm x 88 cm



Bamboo ( 竹图 )
Ink Painting
31 cm x 90 cm




Chrysanthemums
Ink Painting
69 cm x 138 cm










Plum Blossoms ( 梅林 )
Ink Painting
66.5 cm x 67 cm


Hill ( 山旮旯儿 )
Oil Painting
49 cm x 39 cm


Nightfall at Keppel ( 黄昏街景，吉宝 )
Oil Painting
60 cm x 48 cm










Exhibition
















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Singapore 179083