작품 상세

Yusof Ghani's human forms, ostensibly heavily 'bandaged' in a camouflage in his Tari series are highly sought after. The difference in this Tari XIV, from the second tranche of his Tari series, reveals more fragmented forms instead of the usually well enunciated configurations. The fireball burst of bright reds is another unusual element, as if scorching at the consciousness. The figures are not demonstrably in energetic movement. One figure is somewhat hesitant, while the other seems in recoil and cowering. Wedged at the centre can be discerned a figure in blue. Whatever, life is a struggle, and fellow humans can be counted upon to share the load at least. Yusof's first Tari series started in 1985, culminating with his first solo at GaleriCitra in 1989, and this 1993 work marks the tailend of his Tari, in transition to his Topeng series. This is a rare work of absolute quality. Yusof Ghani was a late bloomer in art, working as an artist-illustrator (Agriculture Ministry), instructor (Fisheries Institute, Penang) and a graphic artist (Radio-Television Malaysia) for a total of 10 years before he got a scholarship to study in the United States, first at the George Mason University for his BFA and then the Catholic University in Washington for his MFA. For a Malay artist, he had the distinction of bypassing the Mara Institute of Technology (ITM) treadmill. Though he returned to teach at ITM, he garnered fame for his series of interesting paintings - Tari, Topeng, Wayang, Hijau, Segerak, Biring, Wajah, Ombak and Kuda. Henry Butcher Art Auctioneers with partners Galeri Prima and Pinkguy Gallery organised Segerak VIII: Utopia, the final edition of Segerak series, in August 2019. In Henry Butcher Art Auction December 2021, his Siri Tari - Zakwan (1987) was sold for a record price of RM 403,200.