LOT 43
LYE YAU FATT
(B. Kedah, 1950)
Malay Girl/ Gadis Melayu, 1975
Signed and dated on the bottom of the granite base
Cement and granite
Edition 1/5
32 x 16 x 21 cm
Provenance
Private Collection, Kuala Lumpur
SOLD – RM 6,136
Captured here is the thought-provoking sculpture by Lye Yau Fatt. Retaining some link to figuration, especially the appearance of the woman which resemble most of his famous elongated ladies in his canvas works, the subject is positioned in a way that would require a lot of deliberation from the viewers’ part. She is seated, curled with her knees up to her chest as the material of her clothing is stretched. It is a quiet, serene moment – contemplative and solemn. It is the encapsulation of tranquility. However, this sculpture has the potential to be something very subjective, especially to the most fertile of imaginations.
Lye Yau Fatt was heavily influenced by the Nanyang style, especially under the mentorship of the legendary artist and Nanyang art style pioneer Cheong Soo Pieng. Lye Yau Fatt’s cement and granite sculpture entitled ‘Malay Girl/Gadis Melayu’ (Illustrated on page 7 of the Exhibition Winner Announcement Catalogue) won the 2nd Prize for the Sculpture Competition And Exhibition in 1983 hosted and exhibited by the Penang State Art Museum in collaboration with Sin Pin Jih Pao Malaysia and Super Departmental Store Sd Bhd.