Many firsts for Grace Lim

Grace Lim [Left] presenting her painting to Tun Dr
Siti Hasmah while her husband, Tun Dr Mahathir looks on

Fresh from her first solo exhibition that showcased a series of paintings entitled, “Back to Nature,” in the Old Street 52 Studio at Tan Hiok Nee Heritage Walk recently, Grace Lim, 45, scored a few more “firsts” when she participated in the International Women’s Day Art Exhibition from March 7 to 10 in Kuala Lumpur. 

For the first time she joined some 90 women artists who presented their art in the exhibition themed, “My Day.”

Lim showcased oil paintings that featured her signature style of bold strokes, bright colours, cute faces and curvy figures.  Her form of naïve art is characterised by simplicity in subject matter and technique, and influenced by her early impressions and experiences of village life.  Inspirations from her childhood memories in Pontian married with a vivid imagination for an idyllic tropical paradise are expressed in her paintings. 

Tun Dr Siti Hasmah signing the souvenir programme
for Grace as a special memento

For Lim, the event was exciting and memorable on many levels.  Not only was she a first-time participant but her work was singled out from all the others to be presented at the event’s opening ceremony to guest of honour, Tun Dr Siti Hasmah Mohamad Ali, wife of former Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad.  

“It really made my day,” said Lim as she relived that proud moment when she presented her oil on canvas painting entitled, “Tea Time” to Tun Dr Siti Hasmah.  Spurred on by this special experience that followed closely after her successful first solo exhibition in JB, Lim is ready to expand her collection and continue with commissioned work.

A version of this article was published in The New Straits Times, Johor Streets on 18 March 2013