Lot 22 | Auction XXIII

LOT 22

RAPHAEL SCOTT AHBENG
B. Sarawak 1939

Heliconia, 2013

Signed, titled and dated “RSA 13 HELICONIA” on lower right

Oil on canvas

119 x 90 cm

Provenance
Private Collection, Kuala Lumpur

SOLD
RM 5,861.44

Raphael Scott AhBeng’s paintings and perception of nature is not your conventional true-to-life type. They comes off as nonconforming and curious but in a uniquely beautiful way, and this visual rendition of the Heliconia stays true to that. The red that takes up most of the canvas hints at the original colour of the plant, but the shape (originally paddle-shaped) is anything but that, as he recreates a more meaningful, artistic way of portraying nature, a constant muse in his artworks.

Known for his abstract renditions of nature, nature and landscapes are held close to Raphael Scott AhBeng’s heart. He expresses his love for nature and its beauty using stunning colours and designs, both of which a non-conventional and unique. Definitely more imaginative than natural, Raphael Scott AhBeng creates his personal haven.

Raphael Scott AhBeng, a Bidayuh, hails from Sarawak and is one of the most prominent Borneo artists. He attended Bath Academy of Art in Britain, where he studied Art and Photography. He won the First Prize for the Sarawak Shell Open Art Competition in 1959, 1982 and 1983 Third Prize in the Natural Malaysia art competition in Kuala Lumpur in 1991.