LOT 18
Long Thien Shih
B. Selangor, 1946
Two Figures, 1996
Signed, titled and dated “Thien Shih 96” on lower right
Pastel on paper
54 x 37 cm
Provenance Private Collection, Kuala Lumpur
RM 1,200 – RM 3,000
Romance is a splendid thing. The feelings of passion and sensuality drives the human spirit to create beautiful art. Long Thieh Shih depicts this time a couple locked in intimacy, while the rest of the painting dissolves into a shadowy, flat pattern, keeping the focus on these two lovers. A few curves and the right atmosphere are enough to read the sensuality of this erotic painting, as it captures a decadence conveyed by the opulent and intense setting. At the same time, this painting brings about a romantic and dreaming mood which brings a very warm feeling – the passion nearly palpable as it emanates from the canvas.
Long Thien Shih studied art in Atelier 17 and Atelier de Lithographic, Ecole Nationale Superlure des Beaux-Arts, both in Paris. Thereafter, he studied at the Royal College of Art in London. He has won awards such as the First Prize in the 1961 Young Malayan Artists Competition in Kuala Lumpur and the 1992 Prints Prize in Salon Malaysia and has produced many artworks, using various mediums.