An exhibition of artworks by Lim Hak Tai, the founding principal of Nanyang Academy of Fine Arts (Nafa), goes on show at a new gallery named after him in the school.

Titled Quintessential Nanyang, it showcases 48 of his artworks.

Nafa also unveiled a bronze sculpture to honour him and mark the end of the school's 70th anniversary celebrations.

Dr Lee Boon Yang, Minister for Information, Communication and the Arts, who was the guest of honour at the event, said Lim braved hardships, funds shortage and ill health to pursue his vision. 'He laid the foundation for the arts to play a part in our social development and to serve as a platform to nurture the artistically talented. He would be proud of Nafa today,' he said.

Lim established Nafa with only 14 students and three teachers. The school moved eight times before finding its current location in Bencoolen Street. Spread over three campuses, it boasts state-of-the-art facilities.

Lim, who died in 1963 at the age of 70, was also the first to call for a new art-form to reflect the Nanyang (South-east Asia) region.

Deepika Shetty

This article was first published in The Straits Times.