LOT 71
ISMAIL MAT HUSSIN
B. Kelantan, 1938 – 2015
Mengirakan Ikan Tangkapan, 2009
Batik
109 x 210 cm
Private Collection, Kuala Lumpur
Signed and dated “Ismail Mat Hussin, 2009” on lower right
RM 55,000 – 90,000
Ismail Mat Hussin is one of Malaysia’s most celebrated batik artists, known for elevating the traditional craft into fine art. Born in Kelantan in 1938, he drew inspiration from the east coast’s cultural life, often portraying farmers, fishermen and villagers in scenes filled with warmth and dignity as can be viewed in this captivating creation. Using wax and dye to create narrative compositions, he captured the rhythms of rural life with earthy tones and fluid patterns. His works not only preserve the spirit of kampung life but also established batik painting as a significant form of Malaysian modern art. Ismail’s painting’s can be found in various galleries, a few being PETRONAS, Bank Negara, ESSO, Maybank and the National Art Gallery of Kuala Lumpur. This “Mengirakan Ikan Tangkapan” piece is a beautiful paradox – an everyday seaside village occurrence that resulted into something that looks regal and grandiose. With rich, vivid earthy browns, oranges and yellows, Ismail Mat Hussin captures once more the spirit of the East Coast with a sunny rendition and disposition of fishermen fussing with their catch and nets at the shoreline. The entire composition is filled with bright, earth colours, as if Ismail Mat Hussin is recapturing the glint and heat of the sun at that moment in time. It is heavy in detail, Ismail Mat Hussin-esque style, fine lines and thorough and scrupulous visual descriptions from the boats, to the people, to the sceneries in the background. The striking and welcome disruption of the batik design against the scene adds to the aesthetic value of this piece, making it truly a magnum opus.