Lot 15 | 9 July 2023

 

 

LOT 15

YUSOF GHANI

B. Johor, 1950

Biring Series XIV, 2006

Oil on canvas

122 x 90 cm

Private Collection, Singapore. Illustrated on page 85 of “Biring: Yusof Ghani, A Malaysian Master” exhibition book published in 2006

Signed “Yusof Ghani” on lower right. Signed, titled, and dated on the verso

RM 70,000 – 130,000

This Biring masterpiece by the maestro illustrates a flurry of glowing yellows and brown gestural strokes painted on linen, portrays another haunting painting of cockfights. It is disordered, aggressive and he expresses this extraordinarily well with harsh brushstrokes, demonstrating the tension, chaos and hostility of this act as the roosters fight valiantly for their lives.The artist manages to create motion in this scene, as the audience can imagine feathers and wings beating around in fast motion. Biring departs from Yusof Ghani’s paintings of masks, forms and nature as he concentrates on cockfighting, using it as a symbol of courage and conflict among man.