LOT 29
AHMAD ZAKII ANWAR
B. Johor, 1955
Bayan 10, 2007
Signed and dated “Ahmad Zakii Anwar 07” on lower right
Acrylic on jute
122 x 244 cm
Provenance Private Collection, Kuala Lumpur
RM 65,000 – RM 85,000
“Strong, arresting and unpretentious” – those were the words that The Herald Tribune used to describe Zakii’s works.
Undoubtedly, the darkness and the mysteries of life have always held a certain appeal to them, and Zakii certainly does think so, as shown through his moody, deep and contemplative canvas.
His works are much coveted, and have always been known to be “loud” and almost forceful and compelling. This piece from the Still Life Series started with influences from the Orientalist techniques. With an air of enigma and darkness teamed with a flair for the arts, Zakii created this masterpiece. “The concept of art-making has not changed for me,” said Zakii, “I need to
get excited about a subject and “feel” it in order to paint it. The result must be subliminal, to reach a state of one-ness with whatever that I’m going to create.” In this piece, he showcases shapes and forms and antiques, to celebrate times gone by.
Ahmad Zakii was born in 1955 in Johor. Beginning his career as a graphic artist after graduating from MARA Insitute Technology of Malaysia, he focused on advertising. Later on, he delved into fine arts, notably known for his strikingly realistic portraits and paintings. He is one of the most accomplished Malaysian artists, both locally and internationally.