LOT 37
TAY CHEE TOH
B. Johor, 1941
Dayak Girl, Malaysia 1968
Ink and gouache on rice paper
96 x 46 cm
Private Collection, Singapore
Signed Chee Toh with seal, inscribed with title in English on verso
RM 8,000 – 12,000
Dayak Girl is a striking example of Tay Chee Toh’s ability to merge figuration with stylised form, creating works that are both culturally resonant and visually modern. A leading figure in Malaysian contemporary art since the 1970s, Tay is known for his exploration of indigenous themes, mythologies and everyday life, often rendered through bold outlines, simplified shapes and rhythmic patterns. In Dayak Girl, the subject is presented with dignity and quiet strength, her presence elevated beyond portraiture into a symbol of heritage and identity. The artist’s use of colour and line infuses the figure with vitality while maintaining a sense of serenity, balancing modernist aesthetics with cultural storytelling. The work reflects Tay’s ongoing fascination with Malaysia’s diverse traditions and his commitment to preserving their essence through a contemporary lens. By portraying the Dayak Girl in such an iconic, timeless manner, Tay captures not only an individual but also the spirit of a community and its place within the larger narrative of Malaysian art.