Lot 76 | Auction XVII

LOT 76

TAY MO LEONG, DATO’
(B. Penang, 1938)

Offering II, 2002

Signed “T. Mo Leong” on lower left
Batik
181.5 x 87.5 cm

Provenance
Private Collection, Kuala Lumpur

Reference
Tay Mo-Leong Retrospective coffe table book, pg. 216

RM 14,000 – RM 25,000

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, with the intricately designed background contrasting beautifully against the subjects. 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.