LOT 82
SYED THAJUDEEN
B. India, 1943
Moon of Ramadan, 1986
Oil on canvas
85 x 85 cm
Signed on lower left. Artist name, title and medium written on the verso. Artist signed “ Syed Tajudeen “ and dated 1.6.1986 on the verso
PROVENANCE
Private Collection, Kuala Lumpur
RM 10,000 – 18,000
The moon is not only Earth’s faithful friend, but as Thajudeen puts it, it is also a Muslim’s companion. This piece speaks volumes even at the firstglance, not only because of how otherworldly it appears, but also because of how the painting seems to quietly beckon you to come closer andobserve it some more, to find out the story behind it. To Muslims and non-Muslims alike, we all are aware of how imperative a role the moon takeson especially during the holy month of Ramadhan. The age-old tradition of Arabian travellers consulting the moon and the stars in the sky for navigational purposes is still being practised today, particularly for calculating the days before Eid Al Fitr and prayer times. In essence, this painting was created to honour the great moon. Within this painting lie the matters of divinity, spirituality, tranquillity and romance. Syed Thajudeen was born Syed Thajudeen Shaik Abu Talib and is known as one of the best poetic artists in the Malaysian art industry. Syed Thajudeen initially was sent to study medicine but the fire he had for art could not be extinguished. Convincing his parents to let him study art, he eventually attended the Government College of Arts and Crafts in Madras. His works are exhibited by Petronas, the National Art Gallery of Malaysia and the Singapore Art Museum.