Lim Hak Tai (1893–1963) was born in Xiamen, Fujian. He was one of the founders and the first principal of the Nanyang Academy of Fine Arts (NAFA), and is often regarded as the “Father of Nanyang Art.” Trained in art and education in China, he later devoted much of his career to both artistic practice and art education in Singapore.

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Lim advocated for the development of a distinctive Nanyang style, encouraging artists to combine Chinese artistic traditions with Western painting techniques while drawing inspiration from Southeast Asia’s landscapes, everyday life, and multicultural environment. He believed that art should preserve cultural heritage while also reflecting the local identity and experiences of the region. His ideas played a crucial role in shaping the development of the Nanyang art movement.

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