LOT 86
AWANG DAMIT AHMAD
B. Sabah, 1956
Marista – Tenaga Hidup, 2001
Signed and dated “Awang Damit 2001” and captioned with title and medium on the verso by the artist
Illustrated on page 115 of “Alun Alun Ke Marista, Awang Damit Ahmad 1996 – 2002 exhibition catalogue for the show held at the National Art Gallery Kuala Lumpur from 28 June – 4 August 2002
Mixed media on canvas
118 x 110 cm
Private Collection, Kuala Lumpur
RM 55,000 – RM 110,000
At first glance, Marista – Tenaga Hidup, 2001 emits an earthy, energetic quality to it. Each of Awang Damit’s Marista series differs from the other, distinct and alluring all the same. Different shapes and forms are scattered all over the canvas, with a space largely consisting of various colours such as red, grey, beige and black take precedence over the rest of the objects. Those familiar with Awang Damit’s work are provided with the knowledge that his works are inspired by his memories, most of which are scattered, symbolic and garlanded with numerous emotions. Even this series, dubbed ‘Marista’ means “to talk about the past” in Brunei’s Malay language. This is a piece about broken and lost memories, one that is strewn around a grey area, as bits and pieces only remain.