Lot 10
KHALIL IBRAHIM
B. Kelantan, 1934 – 2018
East Coast Series, 1970s
Signed “Khalil Ibrahim” on lower left
Batik
87 x 70 cm
Provenance Private Collection, Singapore
RM 60,000 – RM 100,000
Khalil Ibrahim graduated from the prestigious St. Martin’s School of Art & Design, United Kingdom in 1964. The ‘East Coast Ladies’, is yet another masterpiece that will render aficionados in awe. This work immediately oozes a simple charm to it and one can’t help but smile looking at it. A muted background is used here to shed light on the Malay women. In a typical Khalil manner, the artist granted his subjects with fluid motion, signifying the femininity and grace of women.
The vibrant gold palette, depth and feeling it possesses allows spectators to see through Khalil eyes, transporting them to simpler times in the East Coast where the ladies are clad in kebaya and sarongs, tending to their daily chores. Khalil and his prodigal batik works are unfailing in hitting outstanding prices – this is evident with ‘Abstract, 1996’, in KLAS Art Auction January 2014 which sold for RM132,000.