Lot 36 | Auction XXII

LOT 36

JOLLY KOH
B. Singapore, 1941

Red Earth, 1976

Signed “KOH” on lower right

RAYA GALLERY label affixed to the reverse

Acrylic and oil on paper

56 x 75 cm

Provenance
Private Collection, Australia

SOLD
RM 24,798.40

Whether it is the wonderful and harmonious hues of colour, the difference in intensity and tones or that otherworldly atmosphere, this painting is solely and distinctively one of Jolly Koh’s. Inspired by his own mind and skills, his style of painting is purely derived from his fantasy world and he morphs them into a tangible form with the combined use of oil and acrylic.

Known as a romantic and lyrical painter, he incorporates elements of nature in this arresting landscape. The stunning contrasts of his images sometimes are, he admitted, “accidental swirling and blending of colours”, which bring about lovely inimitable shapes and forms. With this piece, he brings the viewer to another world where exists rivers of combinations of various colours, contrasting beautifully with one another.

Jolly Koh was born in Singapore, where he studied for his National Diploma in Design at Hornsey College of Art, London in the year 1962. A year after, he obtained his Art Teacher’s Certificate from London as well, and his Masters at Indiana University, USA in 1972. His artworks have been exhibited at the National Art Gallery in Victoria, Australia, Bank Negara Malaysia, the Fullerton Hotel in Singapore and J.D. Rockefeller III Collection, just to name a few.