작품 상세

Khalil Ibrahim presents a littoral scene in the East Coast, focusing on the sinuosity and the rhythms of the figures in resplendent colours. The lithe figures, obviously female and clad only in sarung, are the feeder squad when their men return from the far seas in their boats with the bounty of catches. Despite the vivacious colours, light is failing. The bodies depicted in Pseudo-Pop style in green, brown and orange, blend gloriously with the variegated patterns of the batik sarung with a bobbing head or two or dainty barefoot feet slipping out of the viewfinder device. The alacrity of activity makes the concerted labour look like a spritely dance. Incredibly versatile, Khalil painted in watercolours, acrylic, oil and batik and was consummate with his drawings on Montel pens. A 1959 2nd Prize in the Malayan Life national art competition effectively won him a Pahang State scholarship to study in London, at the St. Martin's School of Art and Design no less. He became a fulltime artist on his return in September 1966 and had his double first solos at Frank Sullivan's Samat Art Gallery. He co-founded the Malaysian Watercolour Society and featured in its painting expeditions in Sweden and India. He was the first Malaysian artist to have a solo in Indonesia but celebrated 50 years of painting at Galeri Petronas in an exhibition called A Continued Dialogue in 2004.