LOT 39
JALAINI ABU HASSAN
B. Selangor, 1963
Organical Substance (Series 5), 1996
Mixed media on paper
111 x 76 cm
Private Collection, Kuala Lumpur
Signed and dated “Jai 1996” on lower right. Titled “Organical Substance (Series 5 – 1996)” on lower left
RM 15,000 – 35,000
Widely acclaimed as one of Malaysia’s most influential contemporary artists, Selangor born master Jalaini Abu Hassan affectionately known as Jaiis celebrated for his intellectually rigorous approach that bridges traditional Malay cultural iconography with cutting edge, postmodern expression. This brilliant technical versatility and inquisitive philosophy are powerfully realized in his 1996 work, Organical Substance (series 5), painted during a highly formative and experimental period of his career following his postgraduate studies abroad.
Foregoing straightforward realism, Jai constructs a richly layered, tactile surface using a sophisticated interplay of mixed media, fluid draftsmanship, and a deep, atmospheric palette. In this series, he treats the canvas as a metaphorical laboratory, examining the raw, elemental structures of life, memory, and heritage through a lens of biological or organic abstraction. Rather than a literal depiction, the ambiguous, morphing shapes look like evolving specimens or fragments of memory suspended in time, creating a compelling tension between the scientific and the deeply spiritual. By balancing masterful draftsmanship with a raw, spontaneous painterly energy, Organical Substance (series 5) stands as a captivating testament to Jai’s unique ability to find poetic meaning in the fundamental building blocks of existence, transforming abstract matter into a timeless meditation on growth, decay, and resilience.