meet the artist
Marcus Lim is a passionate artist from Kuching, Sarawak who is known for his flare in combining nature and traditional Dayak motives into unique art pieces.
His unconventional style of painting on tree bark cloth allows him to create unique texture and contrast into each of his pieces. Combining this with his passion for incorporating colours into his work and the use of natural elements has enabled him to develop a unique approach which has become his signature art style.
Marcus enjoys creating installation arts, producing new themed art pieces, painting murals on walls, and creating exclusive pieces for exhibitions. He also works on large custom paintings and commissions as well as engage in art projects for homes, bars, and bistros.
Marcus had spent more than 30 years in large corporations where he was involved in business development, sales, and management in various industries particularly in FMCG & property. Despite his daytime work commitments, he has always kept his passion for art alive by creating art pieces whenever he had any free time.
After his retirement at age 52, he finally embarked on a journey of discovering his full potential. He moved back to his hometown and reconnected with his roots and nature where he spent many months building a homestay, Lan e Tuyang, together with Matthew Ngau Jau, a sape musician who is an indigenous traditional artist from Sarawak and a living National Heritage of Malaysia.
Marcus later spent years building and diving into his passion which had led to some of his earlier achievements around Kuching city where his works are featured on walls, tables, and anything he could lay his hands on. His creative art styles pioneered a new concept of hipster hangouts watering holes like Monkee Bar, Five Foot Way, and Big Bottle—which has since become some of the most happening hangout places for locals and tourists as well as having paved the way for many to follow in his footsteps.
His work has taken him to other states and is currently active in the Ipoh art scene, having created a name for himself in the local art scene where he has participated in various exhibitions and art events. He was among the 19 local artists selected for ART IPOH 2019. His signature works of art can be seen at a growing number of bars & bistros in Ipoh, such as Tin Corner and Beerhole.
Marcus's artwork has become his biggest achievement in life and it motivates him to challenge himself further.
“There is something intriguing about the way colours reflect off a tree bark cloth from different angles, as it adds a new dimension not only to the piece, but also to the interior space in which the piece is hung on the wall.
This is something I incorporate in almost all of the works. My inspiration is drawn from my surrounding environment.
Painting is about feeling, and I want people to draw different conclusions when they see my work."
~ Marcus Lim, Artist ~
