LOT 86
KHALIL IBRAHIM
B. Kelantan, 1934 – 2018
Abstract, 1991
Acrylic on canvas
90 x 121 cm
Private Collection, Kuala Lumpur
Signed and dated “Khalil Ibrahim ‘91” on lower right. Illustrated on page 166 of the Khalil Ibrahim – The Art Journey book published by KL Lifestyle Art Space in 2015.
RM 70,000 – 100,000
There is something sublime, ethereal and yes, perhaps, even a little spiritual about the Expressionistic abstract works created by the master Malaysian artist – Khalil Ibrahim. Ever since his art apprenticeship in 1960s England (at St.Martin’s School of Art, central London) meeting Malaysian abstract/ expressionist artist Ibrahim Hussein (known for Gardu – 1968 and My Father the Astronaut – 1970) and, later, meeting with Malaysian Expressionist painter/poet Latiff Mohidin (famous for his Pago Pago series) – there had been a distinctly abstract undercurrent to many of Khalil Ibrahim’s works. There seems little doubt that studying at an English art school, learning fresh ways of seeing, coupled with having contact with artists discovering new approaches to their art and lives, changed the way Khalil approached his own artistic works. Throughout Khalil Ibrahim’s career as an artist, the influence of abstract has been present every now and then in some of his works. They are definitely rare, but they are nonetheless glorious. Most of his abstract works were done upon Khalil’s return from his studies in Britain. A myriad of thoughts and concepts go into the workings of this piece, and it gives the illusion of depth and texture so vivid that viewers are tempted to make out all the shapes, patterns and techniques this canvas showcases.