LOT 71
TAY MO LEONG, DATO’
(B. Penang, 1938)
Village Scene, 1970s
Signed “T.Mo.Leong” on lower left
Batik
90 x 57.5 cm
Provenance
Private Collection, Kuala Lumpur
SOLD – RM 14,000
Known for his innovative double-resist process on batik painting, Dato’ Tay Mo Leong creates this arresting vision.
Charming and exquisite, it engages the viewer for long moments before they comprehend that this piece is an encapsulation of the charm of the rustics. He cleverly combines the elements of space, form and colour to work magnetically with one another, as he captures a woman carrying an intricately designed clay pot, no doubt filled with water, as another figure is seen at the distance. The crackling lines of the batik that decorate the piece here and there prove as a striking combination with the setting, making this truly an exquisite piece.
Dato’ Tay Mo Leong was born in Penang in 1938. He studied art at the Provincial Taipei Normal College (Fine Art) in Taipei frin 1957 to 1960. Known for being one of the foremost Malaysian artists to employ the batik medium, his work is frequently described as abstract, experimental, daring and free. He is the chairman of the Art Gallery Committee of Penang, a member of the State Museum Board and the president of the Penang Watercolour Society since 1985.