National Gallery Singapore Presents: Kim Lim: The Space Between. A Retrospective of a Modern Art Pioneer

National Gallery Singapore is set to debut its most extensive showcase of Singapore-born British artist Kim Lim in Kim Lim: The Space Between. A Retrospective. Opening on 27 September 2024, this landmark exhibition offers an in-depth exploration of Lim’s pioneering contributions to 20th-century sculpture and printmaking, featuring over 150 works spanning four decades. Organized into four thematic sections, this retrospective highlights Lim’s evolving artistic journey, from her early vertical forms to her late-period stone sculptures, while showcasing never-before-seen maquettes, photographs, and archival materials.

Honoring a Sculptural Visionary

Kim Lim (1936–1997) was one of the first-generation immigrant artists who left Singapore to study in London after World War II. Her artistic journey led her to the St. Martin’s School of Fine Art and later the Slade School of Fine Art, where she mastered the delicate balance between abstraction and form. Known for her exploration of light, space, and rhythm, Lim resisted being confined by cultural signifiers, becoming a significant figure in the Euro-American Minimalism and abstraction movements.

This exhibition marks the third installment of the Gallery’s SG Artist series, aimed at repositioning Lim’s legacy on a global stage. Her work, often overlooked, has recently been revived through major institutional shows such as Tate Britain and Hepworth Wakefield, underscoring her continued relevance in contemporary art.

A Journey Through Kim Lim’s Art

The retrospective opens with Lim’s early works, focusing on her vertical, columnar sculptures that laid the foundation for her artistic career. Influenced by the sculptural sensibilities of Constantin Brâncuși, Lim’s works from the 1960s, such as Samurai and Centaur II, reflect her fascination with form and rhythm, all while eschewing traditional plinths and embracing grounded installations.

As Lim progressed, she boldly shifted to industrial materials like steel and fibreglass, incorporating vibrant industrial paints that concealed texture and emphasized geometric precision. This period is highlighted in works like Echo (1967), where Lim explored negative space and edge definition with striking minimalist expression.

In the later sections of the exhibition, visitors will encounter Lim’s exploration of light and space through her Intervals series, as well as her profound use of stone in works like Kudah (1989), where the rhythmic lines and organic forms of the sculpture evoke natural elements and metaphors.

Experience Kim Lim’s Artistic Process

In addition to the sculptures and prints, the exhibition offers rare insights into Lim’s process, displaying maquettes, travel photographs, and sketchbooks from her studio. These materials enrich visitors’ understanding of the artist’s cosmopolitan influences and provide a closer look at her creative journey.

Exhibition Details

Kim Lim: The Space Between. A Retrospective runs from 27 September 2024 to 2 February 2025 at the Singtel Special Exhibition Galleries 2 & 3. Tickets are priced at $25 (or $15 for Singapore Citizens and Permanent Residents) and include access to both the Kim Lim retrospective and the Teo Eng Seng exhibition. Early bird discounts and special offers for Singtel subscribers and UOB cardmembers are available.

This retrospective offers a rare and comprehensive look into Kim Lim’s enduring artistic legacy, making it a must-see for art lovers and cultural enthusiasts alike.