LOT 21
RAFIEE GHANI
B. Kedah, 1962
Pahlawan, 2007
Oil on canvas
101 x 75 cm
Private Collection, Kuala Lumpur
Titled, signed and dated “Pahlawan, Rafiee Ghani, 2007” along the bottom edge of painting
RM 8,000 – 15,000
“Pahlawan” (Hero) by Rafiee Ghani is a fascinating masterpiece because it eschews the traditional image of a hero such as an armed warrior and instead utilizes the figures of children. There are two children depicted. The older child stands in the background with arms outstretched as if protecting, while the smaller child stands in the foreground with a more relaxed and naive posture. Here, heroism is not about war, but aboutcourage in simplicity and responsibility. Through this painting, Rafiee Ghani conveys that true heroism exists in everyday love and responsibility. An older brother protecting his younger sibling is the purest form of a hero in the context of humanity. The use of vibrant colours also demonstrates that a hero’s struggle does not necessarily have to be dark and grim; it can be something beautiful and filled with hope.