“Everyday Saudade” will comprise 8 meticulously crafted paintings of varying sizes, each painted in Lim’s signature vibrant palette. The booth will be transformed into an immersive environment with striking bright pink walls, and the floor adorned with vinyl featuring traditional Colonial Peranakan floor tile designs, reminiscent of heritage buildings in Malaysia. Adding a touch of familiarity, plastic stools, which served as models for some of the paintings, will be positioned within the booth, offering a unique interplay between the artwork and real-life objects.
The title of the exhibition, “Everyday Saudade”, encapsulates an emotional state characterized by a deep sense of melancholic yearning for something or someone absent. This complex feeling, often tinged with a realization that the subject of longing might never be reunited with, is beautifully explored through Lim’s visual language. Drawing from the Latin word for solitude, “Saudade” captures the essence of recollection—of feelings, places, experiences, or events—that once elicited joy and now evoke a sense of separation.
As the world emerged from the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, Lim found himself reflecting on the two years spent in lockdown. The introspection that arose during this time of isolation and artistic creation led him to contemplate the impermanence of life and the ever-changing nature of the world. The artworks presented in “Everyday Saudade” invite viewers to journey through their introspection, pondering the shifting landscapes of existence.
Lim’s creative process for this body of work was rooted in his interactions with ordinary plastic stools, which he transformed into subjects inhabiting diverse environments. These characters, presented with a sense of uniformity and facing a shared direction, symbolize the interconnectedness of contemporary society. Despite the commonality in experiences and digital connectivity, divisions persist based on class, race, and religion. Through his art, Lim encourages a deeper understanding and acceptance of one another amid the backdrop of rapid change and technological advancement.
The meticulously composed scenes within Lim’s paintings, constructed from a collage of various photographs, evoke a sense of ambiguity, blurring the lines between reality and artistic interpretation. Each composition is a psychological exercise, an attempt to capture emotions and moods through curated objects and elements. The resulting narrative serves as a journey of self-discovery, prompting viewers to explore their place in an ever-evolving world. The term “Saudade” aptly encapsulates the nuanced emotions that arise from this exploration.
“Everyday Saudade” serves as a poignant reminder to pause amidst the chaos of modern life, encouraging introspection and a gentle reminder of the power of dreaming. Richard Koh Fine Art is honored to present Justin Lim’s thought-provoking solo exhibition as part of Untitled Art, Miami Beach 2023, inviting art enthusiasts to engage with the artist’s exploration of emotions and shared human experiences.
Kindly download the e-catalogue HERE.
