Description
In Hijau Series, Yusof Ghani embarked on a journey to explore the forms of nature, by recording and translating his experiences onto the canvas. Resplendent and imbued with force, this work draws the viewer into the mountain landscape, home to an abundance of plants and animals, fresh water, and minerals. In Hijau Series Rhythm Of Nature 'Batang Kali', Yusof Ghani's exploration of light and colour is exemplified through the natural forms. The scene is suffused with golden light, composed of nuanced layers of dynamic gestures that achieves a sense of lyrical harmony.
Yusof Ghani started out doing Art-related jobs for 10 years without formal education. 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). Then 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, Ombak and Kuda. He singlehandedly organised the Shah Alam Biennale involving artists from 15 countries in 2016. Yusof Ghani made his London foray with an exhibition, Segerak VI – Transcendent Figures, at the Asia House in early April 2017. Henry Butcher Art Auctioneers with partners Galeri Prima and Pinkguy Gallery organised Segerak VIII: Utopia, the final edition of Segerak series, in August 2019. The exhibition received good responses.