LOT 74
TAY MO LEONG, DATO’
(B. Penang, 1938)
The Main Gate, 1974
Signed “T. Mo Leong” on lower right
Batik
61 x 91 cm
Provenance
Private Collection, Singapore
Illustrated on page 181 of “TAY MO-LEONG RETROSPECTIVE ” coffeetable book
Published in 2009 by Penang State Museum & Art Gallery
AVAILABLE – RM 8,000 – RM 12,000
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 village women carrying an provisions atop their head, as gates open to allow them permission to enter, and the striking sun is seen in 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.