Lim Leong Seng 林龙成

As a full time artist and sculptor, Lim Leong Seng uses bronze to depict Singapore’s most prominent figures. From rickshaw drivers to Samsui women, he allows the audience to not only reminisce the olden days but also to appreciate and remember the history of Singapore through his sculptures. To date, Lim Leong Seng has created over 30 public sculptures which can be seen all over Singapore.

Our tenacious pioneers series

This bronze sculpture beautifully captures the resilience and indomitable spirit of the Samsui women. Brought to life through the artistry of Mr. Lim Leong Seng, the semi-abstract interpretation powerfully conveys the essence of these iconic figures, who played a vital role in Singapore’s early nation-building years. The stylized forms evoke a sense of movement, with their poised postures reflecting strength and determination in the face of hardship.

The interplay of light on the bronze surface adds a dynamic visual layer, enhancing the sculpture’s depth and presence.

Rich in symbolism, this series pays tribute to the unwavering tenacity and courage of the Samsui women.

daily life series

Mr Lim Leong Seng conceptualised the “Daily Life” series of sculptures in commemoration of 50 years of Singapore’s independence. Each piece from this collection depicts the Samsui Woman in various positions, representing the different labour activities they engaged in during the old days. There have been many large scale sculptures installed by Mr Lim Leong Seng - 37 to be exact. Some of which include “Lantern Procession” and “Indian Settlers” which can be found at Telok Ayer Green as well as “School Time Memories” at Far East Plaza.

forgotten memories series

Blue samsui series

others

Lim Leong Seng
Indian Immigrant
Bronze
2003
Edition 3 of 6

H59 x L23 X W15cm

Lim Leong Seng
Rickshaw
Bronze
2008
Edition 3 of 28

H29 x L42 X W18cm

Rickshaws were introduced to Singapore in 1880 and eventually grew to the hundreds. With the rise of motor traffic and interest of safety, the british colonial government gradually abolished richshaws from the late 1920s. Richshaws were an affordable and convenient mode of transport that was popular among the rich and middle class. They were ideal for short journeys through crowded inner-city streets and alleys.

Lim Leong Seng
School Time Memories
Bronze
2013
Edition 23 of 38

H19 x L18 X W41cm

Lim Leong Seng
After a Hard Day’s Work
Bronze
2013
Edition 4 of 38

H23 x L26 X W31cm

Lim Leong Seng
Puppy
Bronze
2011

H48 x L39 X W14cm

Lim Leong Seng working in his studio

FUN FACTS ABOUT LIM LEONG SENG

Lim Leong seng
Biography

Born 1950, Singapore

Background
1970    Graduated from Bahrauddin Vocational Institute
1986    Kallang Theatre Mural Design Competition – “Expression”
1993    REDAS Sculpture Competition (International), Second Prize
1997    Philip Morris Group of Companies Singapore Art Awards, Juror’s Choice
2022 Book Launch “Lim Leong Seng: Journey from the Wilderness” National Gallery Singapore

Selected Solo Exhibitions
2015    8th Solo Exhibition (Sculpture), Weathering storms as one, Fullerton Hotel,
Singapore
2010    7th Solo Exhibition (Sculpture), Sculpture Square, Singapore
2004    6th Solo Exhibition, ARTrium @ MITA, Singapore
1993    5th Solo Exhibition, Pinetree Town, Country Club, Singapore
1992    4th Solo Exhibition, C-Line Gallery, Bali, Indonesia
1976    1st Solo Exhibition, National Library, Singapore

Selected Group Exhibitions
2016     Affordable Art Fair Spring Edition, F1 Pit Building, Singapore
2014     Nanyang Visionaries, Cape of Good Hope Art Gallery, ION Orchard,
Singapore
2012     Living with Art, Cape of Good Hope Art Gallery, ION Art, Singapore
2008     23rd Asian International Art Exhibiton, Guangzhou, China
2003     CDL Singapore Sculpture Award Exhibition, Singapore Art Museum
2001     “A Vision of Change”, University of Brighton, UK
1994     Artistas De Singapura: Pintura Moderna No Oriente, Macau

As a full-time sculptor and painter, Lim Leong Seng has participated in many local and overseas exhibitions in Belgium, China, England, Japan, Korea, Paris, Southeast Asia and Taiwan since 1969. Working mainly out of Singapore and Thailand, Lim has completed numerous publicly and privately commissioned sculptures in Singapore including: Singapore Zoological Gardens, Singapore Tourism Board, Kallang Theatre, Housing Development Board and SIA. He has created more than 30 public sculptures. In 2001, after Lim Leong Seng created live-sized bronze sculptures of early immigrants here depicting a Chinese coolie, an Indian milk seller and a Mid-Autumn Festival lantern procession for Telok Ayer Green, a park near the Central Business District, he developed an interest in the life and culture of early immigrants.

Lim Leong Seng’s later works include samsui women, rickshaw pullers, coolies in godowns and an Indian teh-tarik drink seller. As an artist, Lim Leong Seng’s aesthetic expertise can be seen through his wide range of sculptural concepts, spanning from realistic captures of individuals key to Singapore’s history, to more abstract and symbolic sculptures of family unity.

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