LOT 65
KWAN CHIN
B. Kuala Lumpur, 1946
Sunrise, 1968
Signed “Kwan Chin” on lower left
Batik
65 x 48 cm
Provenance
Private Collection, Kuala Lumpur
Illustrated on page 42 of “MOSAIC XIII” exhibition book
Published in 2013 by KL Lifestyle Art Space
SOLD
RM 4,508.80
In this batik piece, Kwan Chin depicts a calm, peaceful atmosphere in the Malaysian suburbs, as a group of villagers gathering and resting at the wee hours of the morning, watching and basking in the first light of the morning sun. Life in the countryside is definitely enviable, as it provides a certain serenity that the city does not have no matter where one turns to. Here, Kwan Chin captures it perfectly the tranquility and the closeness with nature.
Using complex and thorough detailing, and the strenuous task of producing batik from scratch, Kwan Chin is one of the few artists who still uses the batik medium in art.
Born in Kepong, Kuala Lumpur in 1946, Kwan Chin attended the Nanyang Academy of Fine Art in Singapore during which he learned how to use traditional art materials. Shortly thereafter, he delved into the world of advertising but once he was introduced to batik, it instantly changed his career path. His batik pieces are rich in colour and his work is known around the world, having been exhibited in London and Miami.