LOT 54
AWANG DAMIT AHMAD
B. Sabah, 1956
Payarama Baru “Ikon Semudra…Bangau” 2016
Signed and dated on the verso
Artist, title, medium, size and year inscribed on the verso
Mixed media on canvas
122 x 122 cm
Private Collection, Kuala Lumpur
RM 35,000 – RM 70,000
At first impression, the abstract in this piece of art evokes an almost morose-like feeling to it. It’s bold, potent splatter of colours seem like a reflection and lament of the past, of something long gone, something one remembers with a tinge of bitterness. Awang Damit Ahmad does usually base his abstract art on the emotional and nostalgic memories of his childhood pastimes and places from the past that he holds dear to his heart, declaring, “I am inspired by my childhood experiences, working experiences and my father’s background as a fisherman and farmer.” This piece brings about a contemplative spirit – it is sombre and despondent, serious but earthy at the same time, a motif often used by the artist. The abstraction Awang Damit employs to create shapes and bits of patterns are all symbolic, and the way he arranges these shapes and patterns are arbitrary – all of which are derived from his personal observations and musings. This work is probably the earliest of the Payarama Series to be featured in the auction.