LOT 3
KHALIL IBRAHIM
B. Kelantan, 1934 – 2018
Ready To Go 1, 1996 (East Coast Series)
Watercolour on paper
49 x 64 cm
Signed and dated “Khalil Ibrahim ‘96” on lower right. Name, title, medium, year and dimensions written on Galeri Petronas label on the verso
PROVENANCE
Private Collection, Kuala Lumpur
RM 7,000 – 10,000
Khalil Ibrahim’s celebrated East Coast Series pays tribute to the coastal communities of his native Kelantan, capturing the dignity and resilience of fishermen through his masterful watercolour technique. Rather than idealising rural life, he portrays these everyday scenes with warmth, authenticity, and a profound sensitivity to light and atmosphere.
In Ready To Go 1 (1996), fishermen gather on the beach in quiet preparation before setting out to sea. Rendered with fluid, transparent washes and confident brushwork, Khalil conveys both the stillness of the moment and the anticipation of the day’s labour. The harmonious palette and luminous treatment of light evoke the tranquil beauty of Malaysia’s eastern shoreline, while the figures embody the enduring spirit of a traditional way of life. A quintessential example of Khalil Ibrahim’s mature style, Ready To Go 1 reflects the poetic simplicity and technical brilliance that have established him as one of Malaysia’s most distinguished watercolourists. His East Coast works remain among the most sought after subjects in Malaysian art, celebrated for their timeless charm and enduring cultural significance.