LOT 54
RONNIE MOHAMMAD
B. Johor, 1978
Silat, 2013
Oil on canvas
100 x 147 cm
Signed and dated “Ronnie Mohammad 2013” on lower left
PROVENANCE
Private Collection, Kuala Lumpur
RM 8,000 – 15,000
Ronnie Mohamed is a contemporary Malaysian artist whose figurative works explore themes of identity, tradition and the enduring values embedded within Malay culture. Born in Johor in 1978, his paintings frequently draw inspiration from everyday life and cultural practices, rendered with a keen understanding of anatomy, movement and emotional expression. Through his expressive realism, Ronnie captures not only the physical presence of his subjects but also the narratives and heritage they embody.
In Silat, Ronnie presents two bare-chested male figures locked in the fluid choreography of Malaysia’s traditional martial art. Their poised movements convey a delicate balance between strength and restraint, where every gesture reflects discipline, agility and mutual respect. The artist’s confident handling of oil paint accentuates the musculature and dynamic tension of the figures, while the restrained palette focuses attention on the graceful rhythm of the combat rather than spectacle.
More than a depiction of martial practice, Silat is a celebration of an important aspect of Malay cultural heritage. Silat has long been regarded as both a physical discipline and a philosophical tradition, cultivating courage, humility and self control alongside martial skill. Ronnie’s composition captures these values through the intimate interaction of the two protagonists, transforming the encounter into a visual metaphor for balance,honour and perseverance.