LOT 33
Nik Rafin
B. Selangor, 1974
Mindscape Series 9, 2011
Signed and dated “Rafin 911” on lower right
Acrylic on canvas
30 x 39.8 cm
Provenance Private Collection, Kuala Lumpur
RM 800 – RM 1,200
Nik Rafin’s pieces have always been filled with vim and vigour, always bursting with vibrant colours and enormous energy. This piece is perfect for those who wish to gaze upon something calming after a long day or having been stressed for the longest time. The torrents of blue immediately soothe the eyes and the mind, since blue has always been associated with feelings of calmness and serenity. (Blue is also known to have healing properties such as lowering the pulse rate and body temperature, and it is proven that blue makes one more productive.) On a more woeful note, blue is also associated with depression and sadness. How one feels after gazing at this painting, however, is up to the viewer.
The artist’s comprehensive and graphic work is also not lost in this piece, his fine lines present in every part of the canvas, and the play of circles create the illusion of underwater bubbles, successfully adding more intricacy and uniqueness to an already beautiful piece.
Nik Rafin studied Advanced Photography in the USA and pursued a Minor in Fine Arts at the Milwaukee Institute of Art and Design. He was an illustrator for Milwaukee’s newspaper, The Marquette Tribune, before Walt Disney offered him a seven-year contract to work as a graphic designer and illustrator. However, he turned it down after his father insisted he return home and contribute to Malaysia instead.