Reminisce Singapore of the ’60s and ’70s with black-and-white snapshots by an 87-year-old photographer

Children playing at Mata Ikan. Photo: Lim Kwong Ling
Children playing at Mata Ikan. Photo: Lim Kwong Ling

An upcoming June exhibition at Objectifs beckons you to take a walk down nostalgia lane, with a solo exhibition by Lim Kwong Ling portraying Singapore’s early days of independence. The 87-year-old photographer, a veteran in the local arts scene, will showcase more than 55 of his black and white snapshots of the Little Red Dot in the ’60s and ’70s, taken in the era’s popular styles.

Through the images of landscapes, familiar landmarks, street scenes, industrial works, and even family photos, the gallery will take you through an ever-changing Singapore through two decades. Aiming to bring about more dialogue about the country’s development across generations, the show’s curator Ryan Chua said he wants to “introduce younger audiences to the genres of pictorialist and modernist photography which were hugely popular in Singapore [back then].”

Lim also added in a press release that he hopes “this exhibition will encourage older photographers to step forward to share their stories through their works, and spur younger photographers to continue documenting the nation’s growth and changes.”

If you’re keen on hearing him elaborate on his works, there’ll be an artist talk on June 23.

For now, have a look through his photographs below and reminisce the Singapore of old.

Boys selling curry puffs at Marine Parade. Photo: Lim Kwong Ling
Boys selling curry puffs at Marine Parade. Photo: Lim Kwong Ling
Kampung kids. Photo: Lim Kwong Ling
Kampung kids. Photo: Lim Kwong Ling
Mr Lim's children outside their home. Photo: Lim Kwong Ling
Lim’s children outside their home. Photo: Lim Kwong Ling
Potong Pasir. Photo: Lim Kwong Ling
Potong Pasir. Photo: Lim Kwong Ling
Aerial view of Singapore River. Photo: Lim Kwong Ling
Aerial view of Singapore River. Photo: Lim Kwong Ling

 

FIND IT:
Portrait of Home by Lim Kwong Ling is on from June 20-July 28 at Chapel Gallery, Objectifs Centre for Photography and Film.

Artist talk: June 23, 2pm-3pm.
MRT: Bugis/Bencoolen/Bras Basah



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