LOT 82
KOW LEONG KIANG
(B. Selangor, 1970)
Reclining Nude, 2012
Signed and dated “KOW LEONG KIANG 20.2.2012” on lower right
Pastel on paper
29.6 x 42 cm
Provenance
Private Collection, Kuala Lumpur
SOLD – RM 896
Using pastel on paper, Kow Leong Kiang captures the exquisiteness of the female body as his subject rests in a left lateral recumbent position. The face is devoid of any details, as the artists wishes to focus only on the exceptionality of the female body – its shapes, contours, flesh and skin, highlighting the differences of the female species compared to that of the male.
His use of space and the absence of any other subjects apart from the female body makes this piece seem more surreal and otherworldly. Combined with his skill in shading, he provides the impression of the subject being bathed in light as she rests upon white sheets. All in all, this piece is a quiet, serene admiration of the female body, as well as an insight into the artist’s skills and knowledge of the human body and the expression of emotions and of the body.
Born in Selangor in the year 1970, Kow Leong Kiang graduated from the Kuala Lumpur College of Art with a Diploma in Fine Art in 1991. His works are known to revolve around the themes of human emotions, where he bravely exhibits his techniques. He was a recipient of the Philip Morris Asean Art Award in 1998 and some of his works are collected by numerous collectors, corporations and the National Art Gallery of Malaysia.