Lot 016
YUSOF GHANI
b. Johor, 1950
TOPENG-PUTRI WAYANG BERSANDING, 1998
Signed and dated ‘Yusof ghani 98’ (lower right);
signed and titled ‘Yusof ghani Topeng-Putri Wayang
Bersanding’ (reverse)
Oil and charcoal on canvas
105.5cm x 90.5cm
PROVENANCE
Private collection, Kuala Lumpur;
acquired directly from the artist.
ESTIMATE RM 20,000 - 23,000
PRICE REALISED RM 28,600 |
This work is lodged in Yusof Ghani’s Topeng-Wayang transition between 1997 and 1998, before the Hijau series. This series was inspired by college excursions to Sarawak in 1988 and 1991 where he was captivated by the mask rituals of ethnic Kayan and Kenyah and their reflection of human foibles. These motifs in his paintings are used to make cultural statements on preservation of local cultures as well as to address human pretensions and falsehood. As the artist firmly believes that every object holds an inner and outer meaning and that each external form is accompanied by an inner reality. Topeng is the expression of faces, while Wayang taunts and expresses the various aspects of manipulation. The first two batches of Topeng were showcased in two solos at Galeri Citra in 1993 and 1995 respectively. The nature of the spontaneous work-process is that the ‘reading’ is cued by the title as the emotional trigger.
Yusof Ghani studied in the United States at George Mason University where he obtained his Bachelor in Fine Art majoring in Graphic Design and later continued his Master of Fine Art in Washington D.C. at Catholic University. He was a lecturer and Associate Professior at UiTM (Universiti Teknologi MARA). His most sought after series namely Tari has been in the proud collection of museums, institutions and private collectors. His other well knows series include Topeng, Wayang, Hijau, Segerak and Biring. His body of works is best known to be in Abstract Expressionism is considered to be one of the best around.
REFERENCE
Siri Tari: Topeng, Rusli Hashim Fine Art, Kuala Lumpur, 1996.
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