Southeast Asian masterpieces up for auction in Bangsar this Saturday

New Straits Times

a day ago

KUALA LUMPUR: A collection of significant works by some of Southeast Asia's most prominent modern and contemporary artists will go under the hammer this Saturday at KL Lifestyle Art Space (Klas), Bangsar.
In a statement, Klas said the auction, scheduled for June 14 at 1pm, will feature a curated selection of paintings that trace the artistic evolution of the region, from figurative modernism to abstraction and conceptual forms.
Among the highlights is Green Landscape II (2019) by renowned Malaysian artist Abdul Latiff Mohidin, with an estimated price range of RM600,000 to RM900,000.
The piece, characterised by lush greens and earth tones, is from the artist's later period and reflects his signature blend of landscape and spiritual abstraction. It was previously exhibited at Latiff Mohidin: Modern Figurations and the Landscape Within in 2021.
Also featured is Aqueous Waves (1984) by Singaporean modernist Anthony Poon, known for his optical and geometric compositions. This particular work, valued between RM350,000 and RM450,000, was formerly part of Duke University's permanent art collection. A similar piece is held by Singapore's National Heritage Board.
The auction also includes Nightwalkers II (2005) from Yusof Ghani's Segerak series (RM60,000 – RM110,000), known for its expressive portrayal of movement and identity, and Memories V by Khalil Ibrahim (RM75,000 – RM150,000), a batik work reflecting the tranquil rhythm of Malaysia's East Coast.
Other noteworthy pieces include Fishes on the Rack (1962) by Long Thien Shih, a reflection of rural life through the lens of social realism, and Arca Merah (2024) by Awang Damit Ahmad, regarded as a continuation of his celebrated Essence of Culture (EOC) series.
The auction offers art collectors a rare opportunity to acquire museum-quality works seldom seen on the market, many of which represent pivotal moments in the artists' careers.