LOT 41
TAJUDDIN ISMAIL, DATO’
(B. N. Sembilan, 1949)
Red Earth Synergy, 2006
Signed and dated “Taj 9/06” on lower right
Signed, titled and dated on verso
Acrylic on canvas
173 x 173 cm
Provenance
Private Collection, Kuala Lumpur
SOLD – RM 47,040
This artists believes that any work of art is the visual manifestations of the artist’s intellectual journey – a reflection of his worldview, spiritual values, dreams and self-identity. Nature is his muse, and he paints its uniqueness and strengths through consistent gestural styles and abstract and expressionistic images.
“Nature, nature’s landsapes and nature’s forces are my sources of artistic inspiration. In the approach of lyrical abstraction, I try to express the poetic and contemplative beauty of Allah’s creations.”
Tajuddin Ismail does not believe in painting the same thing over and over again, but views his artworks as a development and progress from the previous one – new experiences and new techniques. Looking at this artwork, one can immediately tell that it is of nature, of a landscape except that it is dyed in red and magenta. The scribbles and chaotic fusion of colours at the top half may signify shrubbery and growth, flora and fauna, and the whites of the skies suggesting a clear, bright day.
A former student of UiTM, Tajuddin Ismail studied Graphic Design at the Art Centre College of Design in Los Angeles in 1974 before venturing into Interior Architecture at the Pratt Insitute in New York. He is the recipient for various awards such as the 1977’s National Drawing Competition, the Major Award, the Minor Award, 1978’s National Graphic Arts and the 1979’s Salon Malaysia Award. Currently, he is Sunway University’s Fine Arts department’s Assistant Professor and Academic Advisor.