I lived and grew up in a fishing village at the seaside in Pengerang, Southern Malaysia. Unfortunately, Pengerang is undergoing demolition due to the construction of an oil refinery that began in 2011.
I have been studying the issue of demolition for the past two years. The most recent problem encountered by the villagers, which is the relocation of their residential estates, has brought my attention to the issue of living space as one human’s most basic needs. The destruction of habitat impacts one’s life radically, this issue has piqued my curiosity as to the way humans define their living space.
About the Artist
Wilfred Lim lived and grew up in a small fishing village at the seaside in Pengerang, Southern Malaysia for 18 years before pursuing his education in Singapore six years ago. He is currently pursuing a Bachelor of Fine Arts (Digital Imaging & Photography Major) from the School of Art, Design and Media in Nanyang Technological University.
Lim constantly draws inspiration from the sea as he used to and still watches his father go out to sea as a fisherman. Thus marine life often takes centre stage in his works, frequently imbued with a refreshing perspective. A fan of classical painting, he also utilises the photographic medium as a painting tool to convey his ideas, often through dream-like imagery.
With Pengerang currently undergoing serious environmental destruction due to the construction of an oil refinery, his works seek to draw attention to and comment on the ongoing happenings in his native hometown.