Dimensions: image: 80 x 181 mm
Copyright: © Estate of Kim Lim. All Rights Reserved, DACS 2014 | CC-BY-NC-ND 4.0 DEED, Photo: Tate
Curator: Here we have an untitled work by Kim Lim, who was born in Singapore in 1936 and died in London in 1997. It’s a small drawing held in the Tate collections. Editor: My first impression is of something quite ethereal, like a wisp of smoke or a very delicate cloud formation. The interwoven lines give it a sense of lightness and movement. Curator: Yes, it is evocative. Lim's sculptures often explored light and shadow through minimalist forms. This drawing resonates with forms found in the natural world. It reminds me of interconnectedness, like strands of fate or memory. Editor: It’s interesting to consider her broader practice. In the context of post-war abstraction, how might its subtle geometry have been perceived? Was it a departure or aligned with prevailing trends? Curator: Lim was often exploring Eastern philosophy, she merges a Western minimalist aesthetic with Asian influences to create a unique visual language. This reflects an increasing awareness of global art histories. Editor: It is a work that offers a great deal for contemplation. Curator: Indeed. It reminds us of the power of subtle gestures to convey complex ideas.