Life On The Outside, After 35 Years In A Mental Institution

UPDATE: Kah Lim's paintings sell for S$1,200-8,000, not $1,800 as stated in the video. Sorry!

Diagnosed with schizophrenia as a teen, Sim Kah Lim was admitted to Singapore’s Institute of Mental Health at 15. An avid artist since the age of 4, his illness dashed his dreams of exhibiting his work to the world, but he never stopped painting.

Now 35 years later, he’s sold over 40 paintings, held 3 solo exhibitions, and with his sister’s support, is finally discharged and out in the world, an example of hope and mental health recovery.

Watch more of his story:

From Ward To Gallery: The Artist With Schizophrenia

Mr Sim's 40 Year Wait: Artist With Schizophrenia Gets Gallery Exhibition

For more, SUBSCRIBE to CNA INSIDER!

Follow CNA INSIDER on:

[defunct]

Luckily he has a sister to be with him. And his painting is wow.

[shinobi]

he is lucky his sister stood by him. family plays alot in a person's recovery.

[SolitudeAdversity]

Love how he just points to one of his random masterpiece and say "this one not bad leh" God bless Him and his Family :)

[Jack-eliv]

It is much harder to convince someone you are sane rather than convincing them you are insane. Props to him

[hannahstella]

Sibling love is permanent love. His sister is a wonderful human.

[philipanzelmo]

Kudos to his sister for sticking by him.His paintings are remarkable.I would gladly buy them if I am an avid art collector.

[ok]

"everything by sim kah lim" so cute!!!😭😭😭 I wish you a happy life mister, enjoy it to the fullest now that you have freedom!

[celestialstar]

I can't imagine the fear and stress he have went through as a 15 y/o in the mental hospital.

Also all the efforts his family members have contributed to him.

What touches me the most is how much he love Singapore. One people, one nation, one Singaporean we are. <3

[CNAInsider]

Kah Lim's latest exhibition is on Saturday, Nov 16, at Goshen Art Gallery in Singapore.

[elonmuskfunnymoments]

I Salute his Sister. Most people would’ve given up in between the course of 3 decades. I’m so so so happy for both of them. Thank you CNA for this story. ❤️❤️

[cantwaittodietoday]

I wished they let him go home to recuperate sooner. those who stayed in IMH know how torturous and boring it is to be locked up in their hell wards. most patients there never commit any crimes yet are locked up indefinitely like criminals. 35 years is too long a time, this may be difficult for some to hear but IMH really wasted his life away.

[umeshutan]

Sister's love is just as bottomless as a mother's love....
Kudos to his sister!!!

[debl]

Cindy, you are kind and giving sister. May you and your family be blessed with happiness.

[nah]

I visited IMH as part of my internship, we were allowed to see his paintings and they are truly beautiful.

[rudylopez]

With all due respect, 1 month stay in ICU ward, or nursing home can be costly. but this man stayed for 35years in IMH ward. We salute him. We hope the ruling party can assist in any way or another.

[randomcat]

AWWWW he's so adorable!! "So old ah?" HAHAHAHHAHSHS. And not to forget his WONDERFUL TALENT. I wish i can meet him and look at him painting.

[Kylelongwest]

He's so talented. His paintings look amazing

[alfeeliyana]

He is so talented! What a supportive sister :)

[alonzodontoni]

This man is lucky. Some family members wouldn't want to talk to him but his sister visited him every week for over 30 years!

[SindusAmma]

I’m so glad he is free now. I hope many ppl like him are given the chance to be free.

Mental health shouldn’t imprison ppl in an institution unless ppl are a danger to themselves or others! Even then they should be regularly reviewed!