LOT 50
Najib Ahmad Bamadhaj
B. Johor, 1987
Banksy Series “Worthless III”, 2010
Inscribed “NAJIB.AHMAD” on lower right
Signed, titled and dated on the reverse
Mixed media on canvas
122 x 122 cm
Provenance Private Collection, Kuala Lumpur
RM 5,000 – RM 8,000
It is often seen that the artist separates the surface and subject matter, opting instead to pull the viewer’s attention with the surface and materials used. Employing mixed media on canvas, this piece of artwork is eye grabbing and potent. The piece is interesting and infested with dark humour, as Najib pays homage to one of England’s well-known graffiti artist – Banksy. Banksy was a graffiti artist, political activist and a film director whose identity remains unknown until today. It is shown that an animal, dressed in disguise in attempt to break into a safe. A metal padlock is seen on this canvas, along with multiple door hinges – making this piece a surreal mix of reality and fantasy.
Najib Ahmad obtained his Diploma in Fine Art from UiTM Melaka and then went on to pursue his Bachelor’s Degree in Fine Art (Sculpture) in UiTM Shah Alam. He was the first prize winner in the Tanjong Heritage Art Competition (2010) and finalists for both the MRCB Art Awards (2008) and the Visual Arts Awards (2011). His first exhibition, Great Migration, was held in 2012.