About CharlieLim BK

The Unique PaintoGraphy Technique
About CharlieLim BK

• FMPA (UK) • FWPPM (M’sia) • Hon SCPC • SOE Nominee 2009 • Singapore Design GoldenJubilee Award 2015 • SG53 B.O.L.D Artist by the SG100 Foundation • ATIM Activist Award 2019 (New York) • 9th Rotary Club Artisan Award 2023

CharlieLim is a multi-talented artist with a visionary approach to photography and fine arts. Professionally trained in Advertising Arts and Commercial Photography at Baharuddin Vocational Institute (now Temasek Polytechnic), he has spent years refining his craft and pioneering new artistic expressions. Through extensive research and experimentation, Charlie developed “PaintoGraphy”— a unique fusion of photography and oil painting that transforms portraiture into timeless works of art. His technique, inspired by the dramatic Baroque play of light and shadow, allows him to ‘paint’ his subjects in darkness using a controlled light source, creating portraits reminiscent of Rembrandt’s masterpieces. Media Recognition & Global Exposure Charlie’s revolutionary work has earned widespread recognition

With media features :

TV Manila (Feb 2012)
• Channel U Singapore (May 2012)
• TV Vietnam (2014–2015, four occasions)
• TV Taiwan (Sept 2016)
• Channel NewsAsia (Live: 19 Dec 2017 & 27 Apr 2019)
• CNA TV Series ‘Midnight Story Singapore’ (Apr 2021) – PaintoGraphy feature by
award-winning Beach House Pictures.
• Published in World Wide Art Books’ International Masters of Photography, a
juried, invite-only annual showcasing 100 notable photographers worldwide.
• Interviewed by ArijitOfficial#youtubevideo – Journey – EP10 from India (2022)

As an esteemed international speaker, Charlie has shared his expertise at prestigious photography events, including:
WPPM (Malaysia) – Three-time invited speaker | PhotoWorld Asia Photo Congress (Philippines, Jan 2017) – Three-time invited speaker

Awards & Achievements

Charlie has received 14 Nominee Awards in the International Color Awards (5th–16th editions) across Portraits, Nude, and Fashion categories. In October 2015, he held his major solo photo exhibition at Ngee Ann Cultural Centre, Singapore.
Notable accolades include:

  • Honor of Distinction – Excellence Award (Asia WPA, Hong Kong, 2017)
  • Selection for the International Masters of Photography Vol. II (World Wide Art Books), a juried “invite-only” annual showcasing 100 notable photographers worldwide
  • Artivist Award of the Year (Arttour International, New York, Dec 2019)
  • 9th Rotary Club Artisan Award (2023)
  • Featured in the Annual Bold Book SG53 by SG100 Founded under B.O.L.D artist (2019)
  • Received the Singapore Design Golden Jubilee Award (2015)
Recent & Notable Contributions (2023–2025)
2025
  • SiGlap 60 Carnival (5–6 Apr) – Demonstrated PaintoGraphy at SBH@Expo to Dr Maliki Osman, DPM Heng Swee Keat, SM Teo Chee Hean and the public
  • SG100 “Lest We Forget” Dinner (22 Mar) – Live on-stage PaintoGraphy for Former President Mdm Halimah Yacob, Chinese Ambassador Mr Cao ZhongMing, and Mr Ng Hoy Keng (President of Chui Huay Lim Club)
  • Rotary Club Singapore West (20 Mar) – Live painting demonstration at Singapore Island Country Club
  • LCCS Charity Gala Dinner (20 Feb) – “Painted” four bidders on stage and 36 seniors from Lions Home for the Elders before the Charity event
  • Interview on YouTube Channel Kopi with Craig (20 Jan)
  • SMU International Series, Bangkok (14–18 Jan) – “Painted” corporate leaders including The Mall Group Marketing Manager & Thai Police Forensics Superintendent
2024
  • Canberra Carnival (29 Dec) – Public demonstration & VIP “painting” on MP Dr Lim Wee Kiak
  • S2iG SG 2024 (26 Oct) – “Painted” Dr Mohammad AI Mazrouei (UAE Royalty)
  • QIXI Festival (4–11 Aug) – 8-day public demo at Kreta Ayer Square
  • BNI Titans (21 Mar) – “Painted” 13 members in 20 minutes at American Club
  • Rotary Singapore “Timeless PaintoGraphy” (17 Jan, Tanglin Club) – Live “painting” of 4 guests
  • Featured on MediaCorp Channel 8’s Hello Singapore (28 Feb) for Seed Carving Collections
2023
  • Vietnam-Singapore Business Mission (27–30 Dec, Ho Chi Minh City) – Celebrating 50 Years of Vietnam-Singapore Relations, “painted” guests during the show
  • India-ASEAN Startup Summit (11–12 Dec, Kuala Lumpur) – Dark room and booth built for demos
  • Starry Night Charity Auction (1 Dec, Sentosa) – “Painted” three bidders on stage
  • Lakeside Family Services Gala (24 Nov, Carlton Hotel) – Live demonstration
  • Maybank Hawker Culture Event (10–11 Nov, Sentosa Southside) – “Painted” 100+ people in 3 hours
  • Artisan of the Year Award (Rotary Club of Singapore, 24 Jun)
  • World Photographic Cup (17 Mar) – One of Charlie’s wedding photos represented Singapore
  • “Painted” 420 Manulife achievers (Feb–Apr) over two months
Earlier Milestones (2020–2022)
  • International Color Awards (2021) – 11th nomination from New York City
  • Invited by NY-ArtNews.com (Feb 2022)
  • Invited to Group Exhibition: CONTINUITY: Modern & Contemporary Masters (Jul 2022, Manhattan, NYC) – Showcased alongside Pablo Picasso, Henri Matisse, and Joan Miró
  • Invited by Tokyo International Art Fair (5–6 Jun 2020, Bellesalle Roppongi, Japan)
  • Invited by Apple Singapore Event (Aug 2020) – 2-hour live demonstration at Orchard Flagship Store
Conclusion

CharlieLim BK’s contributions transcend the boundaries of photography, arts, and innovation. His unwavering commitment to artistic excellence, global outreach, and mentorship has not only elevated his own career but also placed Singapore’s creative talent on the international stage.
Whether through his groundbreaking PaintoGraphy, leadership in the photography community, or continued engagement with international audiences, Charlie remains an inspirational figure in the world of Fine Arts and Photography.

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Step into my gallery and experience stories told through light, texture, and emotion. Every painting captures a moment, a memory, or a dream—inviting you to see the world through my eyes