LOT 37
RAFIEE GHANI
B. Kedah, 1962
Oriental Shades II, 1998
Oil on canvas
90 x 99 cm
Private Collection, Kuala Lumpur
Signed “Rafiee Ghani” on lower left
RM 12,000 – 25,000
Painted in 1998, Oriental Shades II & III exemplifies Rafiee Ghani’s distinctive visual language, where everyday interiors and decorative elements are transformed into vibrant, stylised compositions. Rich in colour and pattern, the work juxtaposes bold reds, yellows, and greens with layered textures, creating a dynamic interplay between structure and ornamentation. Drawing from both local and regional influences, Rafiee Ghani reinterprets familiar motifs like furniture, textiles, and botanical forms into flattened planes and rhythmic arrangements. The compositions reflects a keen sensitivity to space and design, balancing abstraction with recognisable elements to evoke a sense of place that is at once intimate and expressive. A compelling example of the artist’s practice in the late 1990s, the Oriental Shades series of works captures his ability to merge decorative aesthetics with painterly spontaneity, underscoring his contribution to contemporary Malaysian art.