LOT 41
YONG MUN SEN
B. Sarawak, 1896 – 1962
Penang Fishing Village, 1951
Watercolour on paper
33 x 57 cm
Private Collection, Canada
Signed and dated “Mun Sen ‘51” on lower left
RM 8,000 – 15,000
Yong Mun Sen is often celebrated as the father of Malaysian painting, a pioneering figure who helped lay the foundation for modern art in the country. Born in Sarawak in 1896, he was initially trained in traditional Chinese brush painting before developing a distinctive style that blended Chinese ink traditions with Western watercolour techniques. Relocating to Penang in the 1920s, Yong Mun Sen captured the landscapes, coastal scenes and everyday life of Malaya with lyrical brushwork and a sensitivity to light and atmosphere. His works are marked by freshness and immediacy whether it is a fishing village at dawn, lush tropical greenery or the gentle rhythm of kampung life, his paintings resonate with both intimacy and cultural depth. Beyond his artistic contributions, he was also instrumental in nurturing a community of artists, establishing the groundwork for art societies and movements that would flourish in Malaysia throughout the 20th century. Through his pioneering spirit, Yong Mun Sen not only documented the beauty of his surroundings but also opened the path for future generations of Malaysian artists to experiment, innovate and define their own visual identities.