LOT 36
CHUAH THEAN TENG, DATO
B. China, 1914 – 2008
Two People
Batik
64 x 43 cm
Private Collection, Canada
Signed “Teng” on lower left
RM 3,000 – 5,000
Dato’ Chuah Thean Teng celebrated as the “Father of Batik Painting,” revolutionized traditional Malaysian batik by transforming it into a medium for fine art. While his early works predominantly depicted realistic scenes of rural life, he later ventured into abstraction, employing stylized forms and symbolic motifs to explore deeper themes. In his abstract batik paintings, Teng utilized the wax resist dyeing technique to craft compositions that emphasized form, movement, and emotion over literal representation. These works often featured elongated figures, dynamic lines, and a harmonious interplay of colours, reflecting his interest in capturing the essence of his subjects rather than their exact likeness.