LOT 70
REDZA PIYADASA
B. Pahang, 1939 – 2007
Sinhalese Family, 1990
Mixed media & collage on board
90 x 78 cm
Private Collection, Kuala Lumpur
Illustrated on page 102 of “PIYADASA The Malaysian Series” book in the exhibition supported by Galeri Petronas in 2007
RM 45,000 – 75,000
After his British education, Redza Piyadasa did his MFA at the University of Hawaii, Honolulu, 1977. His awards included the Major Prize, Malaysian Landscape 1974; Minor Award (jointly with Lee Kian Seng), Salon Malaysia 1979; and the Prince Claus Award in 1998. He was a recipient of the Australian Cultural Award (1987) and the Japan Foundation (1992). He was an artist-in-residence at the Canberra Institute of the Arts, 1991. He was also co-founder of the Five Arts Centre (1983). In 2001, the National Art Gallery Kuala Lumpur accorded him a Retrospective.
This rare Piyadasa masterpiece features a portrait of a Sinhalese family in western attire with brilliant colour-matching. It recalls precious histories, customs, and memories, forming a link between generations. Pre-second world war, the Sinhalese immigrant community were a vital workforce of the private sector and colonial government machinery. Layered with rich, jewel toned colours, this work highlights the contributions of the Sinhalese community of Malaya towards nation building.