LOT 12
HARON MOKHTAR
B. Selangor, 1963
Untitled, 2011
Acrylic on canvas
30.5 x 20.5 cm
Private Collection, Kuala Lumpur
Signed and dated “Haron Mokhtar ‘11” on lower right
RM 2,500 – 3,500
Haron Mokhtar is known for his original use of space – and often, his compositions contain architecture at the top part of the canvas, and the people associated with said architecture at the bottom half, resulting in a substantial amount of empty space in between.
In this piece, Haron illustrates a police balai (station) and then leaves a whole space vacant in the middle with a painting of the local policemen in their various uniforms on the lower half. With very little effort, Haron utilises the availability of space to link two different types of subjects on canvas. The choice of red hues suggest the time the scenery took place most likely, during a sunset. His distinct style in blending Malaysian architecture in the background coupled with Malaysian lifestyle and culture in the foreground are excellent documentations of Malaysia’s rich and diverse traditions. His works evoke feelings of nostalgia, serving as a link between our modern lifestyles and memories of the past.