LOT 31
KWAN CHIN
B. Kuala Lumpur, 1946
Bounty from the Sea, 2014
Signed an dated “Kwan Chin 14” on lower left
Batik
84 x 146 cm
Provenance
Private Collection, Kuala Lumpur
SOLD
RM 11,272.00
Taking batik to an entirely new level yet again with another piece of Kwan Chin’s distinguished depictions of Malaysian life, this piece is a harmonious deluge of mellow colours. His theme here is forthright and uncomplicated, no intricacies or hidden messages behind it – it is a very stunningly done piece of batik artwork, pure visual bliss. The only complication in this piece is his technique in executing it, from the laborious tasks of producing batik material from scratch to the detailing of the figures and scenery to the colours painted on them.
Kwan Chin captures the mood of the hustle and bustle of the fishermen village scene, perhaps after a big catch. This piece is alive and animated, catching perfectly the implications that come with the lives of fishermen. One can capture glimpses of a basket full of fish, fishing nets and a young villager carrying the day’s loot home. Born in Kepong, Kuala Lumpur in 1946, Kwan Chin attended the Nanyang Academy of Fine Art in Singapore during which he learned how to use traditional art materials. Shortly thereafter, he delved into the world of advertising but once he was introduced to batik, it instantly changed his career path. His batik pieces are rich in colour and his work is known around the world, having been exhibited in London and Miami.