LOT 66
LYE YAU FATT
B. Kedah, 1950
Crossing The River, 1980’s
Mixed media on paper
76 x 55 cm
Private Collection, Kuala Lumpur
Signed on lower left
RM 12,000 – 18,000
Being mentored by Cheong Soo Pieng, Lye Yau Fatt admitted to being very inspired by Cheong’s idea and compositions of art but despite all that, he often produced artworks that were full on the Malaysian theme and lifestyle. Known for his use of warm, earthy tones and deriving inspiration from mundane and monotonous settings in life, he paints on canvas a private moment between two women as they go about their daily chores. Fetching water and carrying baskets of fruits on top of their heads together in the midst of nature, walking across the river, and viewers can almost imagine the mystifying scene concocted by the artist. Viewers almost feel as if they are imposing on the exclusivity of the moment, and the intricacy of the design of this piece makes it seem even more homelier and cosy, the pure epitome of serenity.