
LOT 56
HARON MOKHTAR
B. Selangor, 1963
Waris Minang I, 2013
Acrylic on canvas
122 x 91 cm
Signed and dated “Haron Mokhtar ‘13”on lower right
PROVENANCE
Private Collection, Kuala Lumpur
RM 6,000 – 12,000
Haron Mokhtar presents Waris Minang I from 2013, a compelling dual composition that contrasts the enduring legacy of the iconic Minangkabau house with the nostalgic appeal of two vintage automobiles. The upper register, dominated by the elegant silhouette of the Minangkabau roof against a subdued grey backdrop, evokes ancestry, cultural roots, and architectural heritage. Below, the vibrant orange field energises the composition, where the pair of classic cars become symbols of progress, aspiration, and a bygone era of modernity.
The juxtaposition of these contrasting elements reflects Haron’s interest in the dialogue between tradition and contemporary life. Through his restrained palette, balanced composition, and carefully chosen motifs, Waris Minang I becomes more than a visual study, it is a meditation on inheritance, memory, and the evolving Malaysian identity. Rich in symbolism and executed with confident precision, this work is a fine example of Haron Mokhtar’s thoughtful engagement with culture and history through contemporary painting.