by Ma. Luisa Macabuhay-Garcia
A true testament that talents can be developed even if you barely knew you had one, is the three generation of Chan Lim family who’ve just held their latest successful dazzling 50th Painting Exhibit at SM Megamall last February that left the public in awe,as they showcased an array of their stunning Chinese New Year themed art works display, together with those created by their 460 students.
Alex, one of the four Chan Lim brothers, humbly claims to be “not so talented” when it comes to creating arts.But he has developed the talent and skills through years of training and learning earned from short course art classes both here and abroad. Aside from learning how to create his works through these art classes, he started honing his craft at the age of 11, which he has mastered and nurtured through the guidance of his individual mentors.
“Wala akong talent.It is good to have a talent.But it is best to have interest.Pag ikaw ang may interest kahit wala kang talent or mahilig, magiging successful ka basta may opportunity ipakita ito.
Dapat may interest made-develop ito,” sabi ni Lim.
Alex, together with his brothers Felix,Rolex and Jolex, are the second of the three generations of Chan Lims who are actively involve in arts. The Chan Lim brothers are actually blessed with a unique blend of artistic talent and engineering aptitude. They are not just a family of artists, but also of engineers of varied expertise.Alex himself, prior to his retirement, have worked in corporate setting for years as mechanical engineer. While some of his brothers were chemical and industrial engineers even with doctorates, and biotech while they have other family members who are doctor of medicines and in he engineering field too. The Chan Lim brothers were able to carve niche for themselves in arts, while holding key positions as professionals in multinational firms.He stressed that they are doing their artworks and exhibits just as a hobby, while pursuing their respective professions and endeavors.
According to Alex, it was their revered father,Chan Lim, who started it all. He just did not pass on this talent and interest to his children and daughters-in-law but has also inspired even his grandchildren, the third generation of Chan Lim to get them into arts. The patriarch practically influenced everyone in his clan in making arts which ended up coming up wih a yearly art exhibit, as a family tradition.The works of the elderly Chan Lim focuses on western art. In his 80’s, he still actively participates in his family’s yearly art exhibits in collaboration with SM supermalls, even up to this day.
Chan Lim family’s art works specializes in oil and watercolor.Their art work is characterized by fusion of western and eastern techniques which uses various medium.The Chan Lim brothers produce Chinese brush paintings.Their family’s art works predominantly shows landscape, floral, fauna, fish and various subject matters depending on the theme they want to showcase per year.
Alex explains they are all using water color mostly as a medium, because it is safe. They have also required their students joining their yearly exhibits to follow the medium to be used, the strokes,and the yearly theme with uniform presentation of their art pieces to make the whole exhibit look presentable, and with synchronisity.
“May quality control kami sa isasaling art pieces, kailangan instagrammable. Maganda din ang water color dahil hindi masama sa kalusugan,” Lim said.
For his part, Alex got his Chinese influence, which is reflected in his masterpieces and in their art exhibits, from his trainings mostly earned in China,Taiwan, and local mentors. He was instrumental in inspiring his wife Ester and children to join him in his father and brothers’ yearly art exhibits. His entire family have worked hard together in creating their annual art pieces and in organizing exhibits in partnership with SM supermalls which started in 1995.They also involved his students in the project.According to Alex, they spend months each year to prepare for each exhibits just for the satisfaction of showcasing their talents and not for monetary consideration.
The exhibit, he said,is his family’s commitment to preserving Chinese culture through their vibrant and captivating artworks. Remarkably, the Chan Lim family who had chosen not to sell their creations presented this extensive collection as an inspiration to the public, particularly the youth, encouraging them to find and follow their passion for the arts. Alex said some of their family members even flew in from the USA for their yearly events.
“Mahirap gawin at i-organize ang events pati pag contact sa artists at pag collect ng art works. Ang problema ang mga galing sa malalayo.Buti may grab na.Buong family ang tulong tulong mag -organize ng exhibit. Hindi ko rin kilala ang karamihan sa students,” said Lim.
Lim has established his art school in his art gallery and studio in Pasig Ciy for aspiring artists with collaborative masterpieces that are presented in their exhibits. Alex shared he begun his art school when people started reaching out to him and requested to be taught and be part of their events.That’s how he started his art school in Pasig.
It started with one person who asked to be taught of their art works, which has now grown in number to more than 400 students.As he shared his insights into the family’s artistic journey, he emphasized the importance of creativity and passion. Lim now focuses on teaching arts face to face, both as a hobby and a stress reliever. He also conducts his art teaching online especially for those living abroad mostly based in the United States, and United Kingdom, and in the provinces. What surprised them are the “super senior” students aged 80 years old and above who have enrolled and have taken part in their exhibits, which he thinks benefitted from this feat healthwise.
“Yung mga super senior namo-motivate namin maging productive despite their age. Nagugulat kami dahil ang iba sa estudyante ay super senior na nagkakaedad ng 80 pataas.Maganda ito sa health nila dahil gumagana ang utak nila,”sabi ni Lim.
Their yearly art exhibits at SM highlights their commitment of preserving their family’s tradition of showcasing their artworks, and nurturing future talents in the art world, His students include notable personalities like Sharon Tan, a daughter of a well known business tycoon in the country.
“The main purpose of the exhibit is to share this beautiful exhibit, lalo na yung mga nasa liblib na lugar na hindi pa nakakakita ng mga ganito. Tuwang tuwa sila,”Alex said.
In their latest exhibit at SM Megamall most of their students used water color as medium while others used ceramic paint for those who did their paintings on plates. In their exhibit, they have showcased Chinese art paintings in 180 umbrellas,120 plates, and 160 tael (which is a symbol of a former currency from China) with a theme highlighting this year’s celebration of the Chinese New Year. Their latest exhibit was held at SM Megamall last February 4 and lasted until February 18, 2024. The Chan Lim family’s 50th Painting Exhibit is not just a display of artistic prowess but a celebration of heritage, culture, and the enduring power of creativity.
This year’s Megamall exhibit of the Chan Lims ignited passion for creativity for each visitors. The collection presented a mesmerizing fusion of traditional Chinese art and contemporary creativity.Each piece had a unique story. Beyond conventional canvases, the exhibit pushed boundaries by featuring fascinating artworks on unconventional surfaces such as plates, umbrellas, and Feng Shui coins. Visitors were treated to a visual feast of intricate designs, which showcased flowers, coy fish, mountain goats, various plants, mythical creatures, horses, tigers, the Great Wall of China, dragons, peacocks, trees, and scenery.
Alex hopes their exhibits can encourage enthusiasts to learn more about art appreciation. He stressed that each piece of artwork, holds a unique interpretation for each observer, emphasizing that art is about personal connection and expression rather than mere replication.
Even if they are not selling their art works, they are amazed as to how their exhibits are getting media and public attention.In social media platforms alone, Lim said they have garnered millions of views even for simple posting of their exhibits.
“We are thankful to get media attention kahit na reluctant na ako.To reach this stage.I think this is the most successful.But we never address or even think of ourselves as famous artists,” Lim said.
Ester Lim said she and her children are happy to support her husband in this undertaking. “We are happy to continue to support kami.Lahat kami gumagawa, which is an achievement, despite having our own respective professions. Hindi monetary ang habol namin dito.Kundi fulfillment at enjoyment.As long as people are enjoying our work it makes us happy,”Ester Lim said.
Bound by their passion for the arts, Alex said the Chan Lims will continue conducting their art workshops,seminars, on-the-spot painting demonstrations.The Chan Lims is one of the few remaining notable Chinese brush painting artists in the Philippines today that have conducted numerous art exhibits both locally and internationally.