LOT 17
YUSOF GHANI
B. Johor, 1950
Biring-Tarong, 2009
Mixed media on canvas
91 x 60 cm
Private Collection, Kuala Lumpur
Signed on lower right. Signed, titled and dated on the verso
RM 16,000 – 25,000
This Biring masterpiece by the maestro illustrates a flurry of glowing pastel white and brown gestural strokes painted on linen with a contrasting black background, portrays another haunting painting of cockfights. It is disordered, aggressive and he expresses this extraordinarily well with harsh brushstrokes, demonstrating the tension, chaos and hostility of this act as the roosters fight valiantly for their lives.The artist manages to create motion in this scene, as the audience can imagine feathers and wings beating around in fast motion. Biring departs from Yusof Ghani’s paintings of masks, forms and nature as he concentrates on cockfighting, using it as a symbol of courage and conflict among man.