Lot 055
ISMAIL MAT HUSSIN
b. Kelantan, 1938 - d. 2015
FISH MARKET, 2004
Signed and dated 'ISMAIL MAT HUSSIN 2004' (lower right)
Batik
95cm x 109cm
PROVENANCE
Private collection, Kuala Lumpur.
ESTIMATE RM 25,000 - 40,000
PRICE REALISED RM 45,088.00
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Ismail Mat Hussin was one of Malaysia’s most prominent and technically accomplished batik artists, widely renowned for acute recordings of the human landscape, imbued with narratives reflecting the spirit of collectivism in the East Coast.The Malaysian art scene has lost a great talent since the news of his recent demise in July.
Set amidst warm earthy tones, the painting depicts a crowded atmosphere of a local market, highlighting a corner selling an abundance of fresh seafood, presumably a common food source for the local community. The vast airiness permeates the market and spatial depth is suggested by figures receding into the distance. The dimly lit background with flooding light piercing through creates a stark contrast which contributes towards a glimmering effect manifested on the intricate floral ornamentations of the garments. Each batik sarong adorning the female figure is rendered intricately in varying hues, complementing each other.
In the foreground, several women bent on knees work hard to ensure the fish are kept fresh, while a customer nearby observes and contemplates. Framing the scene with her back facing the viewer, a lady steadily balances a load of goods on top of her head. Her strong presence dominates the scene and evokes a realistic portrayal of space, which allows for a truly engaging and immersive experience. The artist’s solid knowledge and control of the batik medium is seen through musculoskeletal renditions of the human anatomy, laboriously created via the use of wax.
Hailing from Pantai Sabak Kota Bahru, Kelantan which is infused with a rich cultural legacy, Ismail faithfully portrays with sheer determinism the agricultural and communal festivities of his surrounding landscape. He learned how to paint under the tutelage of Nik Mahmood at Padang Garong School and subsequently mentored by artist Khalil Ibrahim. A gifted musician, he obtained a Grade V Music Certificate in violin from the Royal School of Music, London, which qualified him to work as a part time musician at Radio Televisyen Malaysia, Kota Bahru. He also worked as a corporate graphic designer at Syarikat Percetakan Dian, Kota Bahru. Ismail’s work is collected by private collectors, institutions and corporations such as National Art Gallery Kuala Lumpur, Bank Negara, Galeri Petronas, ESSO Malaysia, National Museum Malaysia, and the University of Malaya.
REFERENCE
Canting Ismail Mat Hussin , Muzium Seni Asia, Universiti Malaya Kuala Lumpur, 2012.
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