LOT 18
ISMAIL MAT HUSSIN
(B. Kelantan, 1938-2015)
KWAN CHIN
(B. Kuala Lumpur, 1946)
Kota Bharu Market, 2014
Signed “ISMAIL MAT HUSSIN Kwan Chin”
on lower right
Batik
106 x 113 cm
Provenance
Private Collection, Kuala Lumpur
RM 15,000 – RM 25,000
Taking batik to an entirely new level are both batik maestros – Ismail Mat Hussin and Kwan Chin, creating this distinguishably Vivid-coloured depictions of Malaysian life. This piece is a harmonious deluge of lively colours. The theme here is forthright and uncomplicated, no intricacies or hidden messages behind it – it is a very stunningly done piece of batik artwork, pure visual bliss. The only complication in this piece is his technique in executing it, from the laborious tasks of producing batik material from scratch to the detailing of the figures and scenery to the colours painted on them. These two artists capture the mood of an arguably rowdy scene at the marketplace, and the intensity and boldness of the colours with which he uses on this piece makes it seem very alive and animated.
Born in Kepong, Kuala Lumpur in 1946, Kwan Chin attended the Nanyang Academy of Fine Art in Singapore during which he learned how to use traditional art materials. Shortly thereafter, he delved into the world of advertising but once he was introduced to batik, it instantly changed his career path. His batik pieces are rich in colour and his work is known around the world, having been exhibited in London and Miami.
Ismail Mat Hussin was born in Kota Bharu, Kelantan. He developed an interest in batik at the mere age 12 years old and picked up his batik skills from well-known artist Khalil Ibrahim and art teacher Yusof Abdullah. His career began as a violinist for Radio Televisyen Malaysia Kota Bharu, but he left and decided to put his all into painting. Ismail’s painting’s can be found in various galleries, a few being PETRONAS, Bank Negara, ESSO, Maybank and the National Art Gallery of Kuala Lumpur.