Lot 121
Yusof Ghani
b. Johor, 1950
Topeng Series — Anak Alam, 1995
signed (lower right)
oil on canvas
62 x 92cm
PROVENANCE
Private collection, Selangor
ESTIMATE RM 28,000 – 40,000
PRICE REALISED RM 35,840.00
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Humans are the most complex creatures on earth. Rarely do they show their real faces in public, but often hide behind a mask, which if worn too long becomes their real face, one etched with all the misdeeds of the real self. This is especially so with unscrupulous politicians and the ruthless climbing the corporate ladder. Yusof Ghani was inspired in his Topeng (Masks) series by the ceremonial and curing rituals of masks worn by the Kayan and the Kenyah tribes, which, however, seemingly grotesque, help protect against evil spirits. This work stems from Yusof Ghani’s second instalment of Topeng, which he unveiled at GaleriCitra, Kuala Lumpur. The title suggests it could possibly be referring to the Anak Alam art group comprised of members like Latiff Mohidin, Khalil Ibrahim, Mustapha Ibrahim, Ali Rahamad, Siti Zainon etc.
Yusof Ghani was involved in art-related jobs for 10 years despite not having any formal education and even without having to go through the Mara Institute of Technology Fine Arts mill. He was artist-illustrator at the Agriculture Ministry (1967), instructor in the Fisheries Institute, Penang (1971) and a graphic artist at Radio-Television Malaysia (1977). His big break came when he got a scholarship to study for his BFA at the George Mason University in the United States (1981), and MFA at the Catholic University in Washington, USA (1983). On his return, he lectured at the Universiti ITM with the rank of Associate Professor, but unleashed some of the most memorable art series: Tari, Topeng, Wayang, Hijau, Segerak, Biring, Wajah and Ombak. He singlehandedly organised the Shah Alam Biennale involving artists from 15 countries on Sept 21-Oct 1, 2016. Yusof Ghani made his London foray with an exhibition, Segerak VI – Transcendent Figures, at the Asia House, on April 3-7, 2017. His solo Segerak VIII in August 2019 was a great success. |
