Bukit Brown Cemetery: Peranakan Tiles Amid Nature

Amid the leafy canopy, tweeting birds and the steady hum of insects, you may find here some of the most beautiful antiques in Singapore. Bukit Brown Cemetery is my favourite place to see what are more commonly know as 'Peranakan' tiles. These charming ceramic beauties with a touch of Art Nouveau and hailing from overseas, are often seen on restored shophouses in the old Peranakan enclaves of Joo Chiat Road, Ang Siang Hill and Emerald Hill. 

I prefer the rough terrain of this 'outdoor museum', and over the past few years it has become a wonderful place of learning and lotion (mosquito repellent a must) for me! It is named after George Henry Brown, a Briton who came to Singapore in the 1840s. Interestingly, it was also the first official hybrid English and Malay place name in Singapore. The cemetery opened on 1 January 1922 as a municipal cemetery administered by the British and adopted the unconventional idea of allowing any Chinese to be buried there regardless of dialect group and status. Located roughly in the north-west central area of Singapore, it has the largest number of Chinese graves outside mainland China. 

Most of these colourful wall tiles at the cemetery date back to the early 20th century and are mainly found adorning the graves of Chinese Peranakans. With an eclectic taste for decorative items from Europe, Peranakans are said to have been fond of such tiles despite their presumably hefty price. Shophouses and graves were rumoured to have sometimes been decorated with the same tiles so that that deceased could continue to enjoy their beauty 'in the next life'.  

I took these photos on an overcast day, which soon became a tropical downpour. Amid the overgrowth, the cemetery has an amazing quietness and serenity despite how close to town it is. Since its closure in 1973, the grounds have been maintained only minimally and as a result, the jungle has reclaimed its might with many graves covered in grass and tree roots. Despite this, the condition of many tiles is reasonable in the face of constant exposure to the elements. None of these photos are edited, so what you see is the natural patina of nature over the course of a hundred years. 

Read more: My Personal Heritage at Bukit Brown Cemetery

Support Bukit Brown Cemetery by joining a wonderful complimentary tour by the volunteer group All Things Bukit Brown. 

ブキット・ブラウン墓地：トリップアドバイザー

Talk & Art Demo at Affordable Art Fair Autumn Singapore 17

I was delighted to be part of Affordable Art Fair Singapore Autumn 2017! Lovely to have been invited to exhibit my work and give an artists talk. Awagami Papers kindly sponsored my Japanese woodblock workshops popular with fair visitors. It was nice to also give people a demonstration so they could get an insight into the world of printmaking! Read more about upcoming workshops. 

Artist talk synopsis

Australian artist Jennifer Lim shares her personal connection to Singapore and unfolds her journey of ancestral discovery through the process of printmaking and painting. A graduate of the Australian National University, Jennifer has strong ties to Japan and studied Japanese woodblock in Kyoto. Her cross cultural background and love of language continues to inform her artwork while she draws inspiration from the built and natural landscape. Jennifer will also give a short demonstration on Japanese woodblock carving and printing. Discover the beautiful marriage of watercolour pigments and 'washi' in a 400-year-old technique seen in Ukiyoe prints and beyond.

Creation of Victorian Voyage series.

Represented by LUDO Gallery at the Affordable Art Fair Singapore in 2015.

Where to Buy Peranakan Jewellery in Singapore

I love jewellery, but most of the mainstream designs don’t really suit my style. That’s why I’m so keen on the unique creations by local design houses including Chinoiserie Blu and Choo Yilin. Check out some Baba Nyoyna inspired creations sure to make you stand out from the crowd!

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INTERESTED IN SINGAPORE CULTURE? 

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Peranakan Places

I love visiting places connected to Peranakan culture around Singapore and beyond! So I thought I would start sharing some of my favourite spots with you. I look forward to adding more and welcome any suggestions! 

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Bukit Brown Cemetery - Tiles on Tour

A jungle in the middle of the island is the best place to understand Singapore - at least I think so. Learn more by joining a tour by a 'Brownie' - volunteer guides with a wealth of knowledge. I recently joined a tour on a public holiday, which had great turn-out with locals and visitors alike.

Learning amid the heat and mosquitoes can be interesting...seriously - these guides know their stuff and a classroom out in the open is better than any textbook! 

Decorative tiles can be found here and there in the cemetery - particularly on Peranakan graves. Excuse the large number of photos taken - there are so many beautiful and rare tiles that I have yet to see in other parts of Singapore. 

These flower tiles are of Japanese origin. The surrounding border tiles are also beautiful and probably from the UK. If you're equally fanatical about these gorgeous ceramic objects of art - check out my Instagram account for more shots and sharing! 

Lee Choo Neo was the first female doctor in Singapore and a brave champion of women's rights.

In Peranakan Chinese culture, the peacock is often a substitute for the phoenix - a symbol of the Chinese empress! And they also look very elegant. The tiles are from probably from Japan but earlier (and more expensive!) ones were from the UK. 

This grave is very mysterious and until this day, no-one knows what the suspended disk means. Some say that it might represent a mirror. Any thoughts? 

A beautifully manicured garden created by caretakers of the cemetery. 

These floor tiles are from the grave of my aunty who passed away in the 1920’s. Some might think it superstitious to photograph her grave, but I hope she doesn't mind and instead enjoys my visits from time to time!  

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Interested to learn more? Free tours are run by the Bukit Brown 'Brownies' and more details can be found on the Peatix page and through the Facebook Group Heritage Singapore Bukit Brown.  

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Haruka Kojin @ Hermes Singapore

Hermes Singapore recently asked me to do some interpreting and translation work for the installation of several on-site art pieces by Japanese artist Haruka Kojin. It was a lot of fun to help and amazing to see the work unearthed from packing crates and then finally installed at the Hermes Liat Tower show window. 

Titled 'Contact Lense', the installation literally uses images from nearby surroundings to create a fascinating composition of distorted and reflective bubbles of light and colour. 

The acrylic disks are made up of both plain acrylic but also ones with a degree of magnification designed. In combination with mirrors, the effect is eye-catching but also somewhat unsettling. 

Kojin was born in Hiroshima in 1983 and since a child was attracted to the physical space around her, and how it defines our existence. 

Haruka has exhibited similar works in other countries, but each installation is carefully planned according to the existing space and conditions. 

For the Hermès project, Kojin is focused on extracting a kind of beauty from everyday objects and incorporating it into fashion. 

This installation can be seen until October 3, 2017 at the Hermès Liat Tower store at 541 Orchard Road. Don't forget to check out their Aloft Gallery on the 4th floor, where you can find regular exhibitions of international and local artists. 

Peranakan Printmaking - New Projects

I'm excited about a new project for my workshops - to create handprinted cotton scarves. Both sides are printed so the scarf will be reversible. Great for those chilly moments inside and hot ones out! If you like the look of this - drop me a line and I'll keep you updated for the next class! 

Heritage Trade Textile Ambassador Peter Lee

Peranakan textile collector Peter Lee 

If you are into heritage textiles and based in Singapore, you might have heard about author and collector Peter Lee. His beautifully presented book Sarong Kebaya - Peranakan Fashion in An Interconnected World is a must for Peranakan culture and fabric fans alike. I was lucky enough to recently take a look at Peter’s studio, where he generously showed some star items from his amazing collection to members from the Textile Enthusiasts Group (TEG) of Friends of Museums, Singapore.

Trade Textiles 

Since the 1990’s, Peter has collected various kinds textiles but mainly 'trade textiles such as Indian Patola cloth, Geringsing and Batik cloth. His collection slowly developed based on a shared love of batik with his late mother, Elizabeth Lee. Peter has since donated numerous pieces to various museums. Singapore, Sarong and Style was an exhibition organised by Peter last year to audiences in Japan.

Batik by Eliza van Zuylen.

hand drawn batik

I’ve been particularly interested in sarong since seeing some unusual ones by Indonesian Eurasian batik maker Eliza van Zuylen in a show at the Peranakan Museum several years ago. Peter showed us some examples of her work - and even let us touch them! I was also amazed to see a sarong with lots of tropical flowers amid cheerful flags of the United States of America.

contributing to singapore culture

Peter is one of several prominent Peranakan ‘ambassadors’ helping to enrich the cultural status of Singapore including Peter Wee of Katong Antique House, Raymond Wong of Kim Choo Kueh Chang and Peranakan chef Violet Oon. Textile lovers, and those keen on art and culture, can be thankful for his effort and dedication. We look forward to future exhibitions...not long to wait according to sources! 

Available at most bookstores.

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Friends of the Museums Singapore

The Textile Enthusiasts Group (TEG) is part of Friends of the Museums, a community organisation offering events and outings to those passionate about culture. TEG can connect you with other people who share an addiction to anything related to fabric, cloth, embroidery or dyeing! From the novice onlooker (me!) to the seasoned collector, you'll find a friendly and supportive community with a wealth of knowledge. For those interested in training to be a museum guide or docent on weekdays, FOM also conducts an intensive and rewarding volunteer programme.

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Print Show in France

I'm honoured to be invited to represent Singapore in The World Triennial of Prints and Original Engravings in France. As one of four artists holding up the flag for the ‘red dot’, it’s been a great chance to make some new work. Chamalieres is a region famous for the paper mills used originally to produce bank notes. Some 400 artists will join from various nations with prizes for the winning participants. I'm proud to be represented by art print specialist LUDO Gallery. These prints will be available shortly for purchase.

Prints about to come out of the drying 'stack' - having been pressed between cardboard for several days. 

A collage of Japanese woodblock prints and screenprints. A few Peranakan tiles thrown in with some Nyonya-ware inspired colours - makes me think of Nyoyna kueh sweets...yum! 

Jalan jalan...taking a walk around Singapore - you might spot some of these places! 

Speaking of walks and trips, Straits Sojourn is about the voyages made by Chinese traders and others to the former British Straits Settlements. Japanese woodblock print. 

My 'patented' thread printing technique. Combines my interest in textiles with printmaking! 

Tile Trade: Wealth & Luck is based on the story of Peranakan craftsmen sent to Japan to create relief wall tiles for local Chinese Peranakan customers in Singapore. These tiles feature fruit, flowers and animals considered auspicious in Chinese culture. Read more. 

Local Singapore Experience

Connecting to different cultures is definitely of my passions. I live in the ‘heartland’ area of Toa Payoh, which is one of the oldest public housing estates in the country. The best part about living here is the large local market. A gathering point for much of the community, it's a fabulous experience that I try to share with others. When I lived in Japan, I loved exploring my local neighbourhood, and I'm now enjoy doing the same in Singapore.

Old toy machines, old tiles, new kids! 

Complete with a 'wet' area for fresh fish and meat, it also has small shops selling anything from clothing, joss papers, mobile phones and shoes. Freshly made kueh and char siew roast pork can also be found. Come durian season, you'll immediately know it too! My background in Japanese means I can read nearly everything, and understand nearly nothing...ahaha! 

Grey-haired fruit uncle (there's several uncles at the stall) is always happy to help. 

I teach some of my art workshops at my home studio. I didn't plan it this way, but students have recently remarked on the insight into local culture they get when they visit. After finding their way to my ‘point block’ in the corner of Toa Payoh (former opposition territory and now undergoing a terrific upgrading program), they start to get a feel for the peculiarities of this some 40-year-old spot of Singapore.

Yep - it's workshop day - hanging the shingle out like a Japanese shophouse! 

Nearly every element of my workshops involves a local business. At 'kueh' time, I bring out freshly-made snacks from my market shop. The uncle who runs this shop has his midday snooze by 11am, so I always hurry over early in the morning to buy the day's treats.

I sometimes focus on Peranakan tiles for my workshops. As such tiles are normally found on old shophouses around Singapore and Malaysia, I have to spread my wings a little further for those....like Tanjong Pagar! My great-grandfather helped establish a clan temple there that has many fabulous tiles. Otherwise, you'll find me trekking around Club Street or Joo Chiat area on the hunt for those elusive heritage tiles. 

Around 15 types of tiles are at this clan temple! 

I also buy a lot of my equipment from the local market, and by now most shop keepers vaguely understand what I do. Or at least pretend to! The dried good shop is run by Mr. Ah Leh - my lunchtime buddy since I nearly always sit near his shop. He's also a substitute grandfather for my children, who will scamper off and investigate his amazing array of products. 

Ah Leh and I often jokingly ask each other about lunch...40 years is a long time for him to eat at the same place everyday!

I also pride myself on being reasonably ‘eco-friendly’ since I wash and re-use most of plastic plates and tools for printing. Students usually giggle when I wrap their finished works in a certain waxy brown paper - you may know what I mean if you eat chicken rice! Works perfectly to protect the fabric from any damp paint spots. 

Seamstress Ms. Ng from Malaysia loves seeing what students create from her hard work! 

After class, my students and I often head down to the market for lunch. We sometimes go and see Malaysian seamstress Mrs. Ng if she doesn’t look too busy, and show her the fabulous creations that the students have made. I think she gets a lot of pride at seeing how her hard work is appreciated by others.

Feeling rather hungry by now, we'll go to the cooked food section for a well-deserved feed! Yummy 'char siew' roast pork and dumpling noodles are my favourite, and made by a handsome chap and his Peranakan mother.  I've rarely seen roast pork or dumplings made on the premises and it really does taste different. I hope he gets on Makan bus tour lineup soon! But then I'll have to wait in line...:) 

Recent group of Japanese participants - konnichiwa! 

I feel a great sense of joy when I see students from countries such as Japan, Australia and the UK creating a ‘handmade’ connection to Singapore. Hopefully, their experience with heartland culture will stay with them, and somehow help contribute to better understanding of different people and places. 

Art & Yum Cha in Hong Kong

I enjoyed catching the Asia Contemporary Art Show and Hong Kong Art Central during a very quick weekend visit. Some particularly impressive galleries included The Gallery Eumundi, Artify Gallery, Art Seasons and Over The Influence. 

I was pleased to see the striking artwork of Japanese artist Shinji Omaki. I've admired his work since interpreting for him during an artist talk at Singapore Art Museum Art Garden a few years ago. His installation work really brings out the best in him but these round artworks capture the essence of his vision. 

Urban scenes by former Brisbane deputy mayor David Hinchliffe are evocative of contemporary life in Hong Kong, but could be almost any other busy city in the world. Having lived some five years in Tokyo, I was drawn to his colourful depictions of architecture and cityscapes. 

It's been some 15 years since I was last in Hong Kong, but I found it much more enjoyable this time with some basic Mandarin under my belt.  'I want that' is always a handy phrase to know! It was a whirlwind three days and I thank my fellow artist and friend Michelle Ma for looking after me. There's nothing like hanging out with someone who really knows her way around town! Grateful to the support crew back home for letting me go away for the business of art. :) 

Peranakan Printing & Japanese Alumni Friends

What happens when you get a group of Japanese alumni friends and neighbours together in Singapore? Lots of fun and laughter, and some beautiful Peranakan inspired prints!

“I really enjoyed creating my very own design. The workshop was lots of fun! ”

— Yoko Oshima

“Working out how to create my own design and colour combination was enjoyable. I found the workshop was not too easy or difficult - a great fit. Thanks very much! ”

— Kaori Aoyama

Active Women in Singapore Series - Japanese Blog feature

Gorgeous Peranakan Inspired Artwork by Artist With Strong Ties To Japan

Active Women in Singapore series

Jennifer Lim is an Australian artist residing in Singapore with a surprisingly deep connection to Japan. In the fourth part of our series on Active Women in Singapore, I'd like to introduce Jennifer and delve into her interesting background.

Although she was born in Sydney, Jennifer’s father is Singaporean and her mother is Australian. As an artist, Jennifer’s work is rich with originality and creativity through her fusing of cultures and her experience of various countries and regions. Her long-time ties to Japan can be felt upon seeing her art and glancing at her resume. Jennifer is also a fluent speaker and reader of Japanese.

When Jennifer was six years old, she moved from Australia to Japan after her mother took up a year-long position as a visiting lecturer at the University of Tokyo. At that time, her mother’s love for art, and ukiyoe prints in particular, had a huge impact on Jennifer, which she says influenced her career choice immensely.

When she was in high school, she visited Japan again as an exchange student. She attended a public high school in Nagoya, where she wore a ‘sailor’ style uniform while clutching a dictionary in her hand. After returning to Australia, she was accepted into the Australian National University. In her third year of university, she joined a year-long exchange student program at Kyoto Seika University.

It was during this period that Jennifer became increasingly interested in Kyoto’s unique culture and frequently visited antique stores and flea markets. She began collecting kimono and now owns a sizeable collection. She sometimes even wears them when she goes out to events.

Even after becoming an adult, her ties with Japan continued to grow. Her first job brought her to Okinawa, which she chose because of its unique indigenous culture and historic connection to  China. She began working for the international relations section at the Okinawa Prefectural Government. During this time, her interest further grew in Okinawa’s colorful and unique culture. She later moved to Tokyo and continued working as a translator and interpreter at a city bank and various embassies.

Amid her busy life, Jennifer was suddenly forced to deal with a near-death of a close family member. This experience became the reason for shift back to the world of art. She moved to Singapore and started to embark on her true passion.

Since having two children, Jennifer has managed her time so that she can share her love of art with others. She has taught at LASALLE College of the Arts and regularly hosts workshops at her studio and externally. She is active in the art world and participates in art festivals and art exhibitions.

I recently attended a workshop by Jennifer and learnt to print using the Japanese woodblock technique. I found her teaching style to be very open and relaxed. Many of her art workshops focus on Peranakan culture due to Jennifer's interest in her heritage. Her artwork is also unique and frequently contains references to her background. She uses linocut printing, and traditional Japanese woodblock printing as the result of her student days in Kyoto. 

日本語版の記事

Work in Progress - Belgium Blossoms

Inspired by a heritage tile I spotted at my great-grandfather's ancestral temple on Cantonment Road. Seven blocks are needed for this technically challenging print - and lots of chocolate to keep me going! 

Peranakan Cultural Ambassadors - the Next Japanese Generation

The next generation of Peranakan culture lovers! A group of budding Japanese artists recently produced some gorgeous work in a private printing workshop. With English up their sleeve, these kids may well be future ambassadors for Peranakan culture in ways we can't imagine. 

Also a mother, I love seeing the confidence and sense of wonder on my kids' faces when we do art together. I recently held a private workshop for parents and kids to learn some Peranakan inspired printmaking. It was lovely to see parents designing and creating with one or even two of their children! 

“I enjoyed being able to work out my design and choose my own colours. The content of this workshop was just right for my 8-year-old child and he enjoyed it.”

— Eri Kitagawa, Japan

Affordable Art Fair Spring Singapore

Some students, friends and I recently checked out Affordable Art Fair Spring in Singapore. We enjoyed chatting to the directors of  Artify, Tokyo Gallery and the Tolman Collection. See some photos from a fun morning!

Peranakan Art Corporate Team Bonding Workshops

Great to see a corporate design team getting creative at one of Singapore's oldest Hokkien temples! Yummy Kueh sweets and local coffee powered our enjoyable carving and printing session. Surrounded by Peranakan floor tiles and the nearby Peranakan Tile Gallery, there was lots of inspiration! 

Learn how a creative workshop can benefit your team!

“It was a relaxing environment to get to know colleagues outside of work context. I had a fun time with them :) ”

— Edalene Tay 

“We had tons of fun, and it was interesting to see one another’s masterpieces in process. I enjoyed myself very much. ”

— Lim Li Li

Solo Art Show at the Australian High Commission Singapore

I'm looking forward to showing my new collection of work in October 2017! Many thanks to the Australian High Commission in Singapore for agreeing to host my show. I'll be creating a series of new prints and paintings...and going big! Join my mailing list to follow my creative process. 

Show Synopsis
 

Australian artist Jennifer Lim presents a collection of works based on her personal history and connection to Singapore. In her second solo exhibition, Jennifer explores her Hokkien and Peranakan roots alongside the language and landscape common to this island nation. An evocative narrative of history and heritage, Jennifer’s prints and paintings depict a physical and inner journey relevant to an ever interconnected world.