Lot 32 | Auction XIV

LOT 32

NIZAR KAMAL ARIFFIN
(B. Pahang, 1964)

Mask – Collaboration Series #9 & #10, 1999

Signed and dated “NIZAR 99” on lower middle
Acrylic on canvas
35.5 x 35.5 cm x 2 pieces

Provenance
Private Collection, Kuala Lumpur

AVAILABLE – RM 3,500 – RM 6,500

Taking a different turn from his usual convoluted and heavily detailed and structured lines, Nizar takes on a darker approach in the subject matter for these paintings. It is rather ambiguous, as one needs to delve deeper into the canvas to finally come up with an idea or a message. For some, moving auras can be seen, whilst for others, suspicious and shadowy figures gaze back at the viewer, almost tauntingly. It is, all in all, very mysterious indeed. While one may argue that Nizar still incorporates some of the spirituality that is often present in his paintings, it definitely takes on a much deeper and darker meaning.