LOT 54
YUSOF GHANI
B. Johor, 1950
Siri Tari XII, 1989
Signed and inscribed “Yusof Ghani SIRI TARI XI/89 oil on canvas” on the reverse
Signed and inscribed on the stretcher bar
Mixed media on canvas
117 x 165 cm
Provenance
Private Collection, Kuala Lumpur
Illustrated on page 39 of the “Siri Tari: Topeng by Yusof Ghani” exhibition book
Published in 1996 by Rusli Hashim Fine Art
SOLD
RM 225,440.00
Yusof Ghani radically alters the figure, seen as a formative generator and embodiment of movement. He dismantles and transforms them into planes of colour and curving lines. They are almost forceful, and at times, even awkward. Graphic components – consisting of straight and curving lines as well as cross-hatching clusters, are dominant and profuse.
The juxtaposition of this piece is as so – as if all the movements involved in the piece are converging towards a meeting point, even while they maintain their own distinct space and characteristics. It is the bridging of realism and abstraction.
Despite how elegant this painting of dancing looks, it was never intended to be graceful. The lines and sketches on this artwork were executed freely and spontaneously in a frenzied and haphazard manner. It is perhaps, the play of colours, which gives this painting that polished, fluid air.