An interplay of exuberant forms inspired by nature is presented here as Raphael depicts a magical landscape comprised of a dense mass resembling a sphere. Filled with emotion, layered gestural effects were seamlessly fused with broad strokes of luminous colours. One of Sarawak's most celebrated landscape painters, Raphael is known for his distinct representation of nature.
From his secluded studio in Bau, Sarawak, Raphael Scott Ahbeng painted on a variety of subjects and styles, with his métier being abstract. Given his first solo in 1954, he took up an Art and Photography course at the Bath Academy of Fine Art in England (1964-1967). He also took up Drama in London in 1973 under a Sarawak Government scholarship. His awards include 1st Prize in the Sarawak Shell Open (1959, 1982, 1983), and 3rd Prize in the Natural Malaysia art competition in Kuala Lumpur in 1991. A Bidayuh, RSA, was an artist (professional since 1990), a teacher, a photographer, a newspaper cartoonist and a radio producer. His solo exhibition Legend: A Borneo Artist at Pinkguy Gallery, showcased the complete oeuvre of Raphael's 60 years of work.