This painting, one of Zainal Abidin Musa's finest riverscapes of Sungai Loh, Ulu Dungun, Terengganu includes an area of water animated by reflections of the sky and forest. Zainal Abidin Musa excels in portraying landscapes and this work uses depth of perspective to convey a sense of tranquillity.
"My love for nature led me to explore the islands, jungles and rivers in Malaysia. During one of my travels, deep into the jungles of Ulu Dungun, Terengganu, I came upon this beautiful and peaceful river, Sungai Loh. I was fascinated by how the river became a canvas for the sky, reflecting back the clouds and the blue, green and purple hues of the surroundings on this clear body of water. It became an illusion that tricked the mind into wondering whether you were looking at the sky or the river, and I wanted to capture that on my own canvas," as quoted from the artist.
With a deep interest in art, Zainal Abidin Musa enrolled at Institut Teknologi Mara to pursue a degree in Fine Art. He graduated in 1983 with a promising career as an artist, having won an award from the Malaysian Young Contemporary Artist competition. Formerly working in advertising, he has now returned to his first love: painting, once again taking up the brush, with no signs of slowing down or stopping. He has been active since the 2000s, with entries in various group exhibitions, as well as having solo exhibitions in Kuala Lumpur.