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Illustrating a peaceful village scene, this exquisite work depicts the forms and relationships found in nature. Rendered with confident and swift brushstrokes, the overall impression given by the painting is that of a diligent study of nature. Painting traditional houses, clouds, trees and a glimpse of a peaceful stream with just a few strokes, the artist creates the effect of a bright day casting shadows across the river and terrain.
One of the best southpaws in Malaysian art, Khalil Ibrahim was sent on a Pahang government scholarship to study art at the St. Martin’s School of Art and Design in London (1959-1964), for his National Diploma in Design. He was already 30 when he graduated. He spent another year for his post-graduate in 1965. After a very brief teaching stint on his return, he was released from his bond, and he decided to turn full time, and he has been painting fulltime since 1966. In 1970, he was given his first solo at the Samat Art Gallery, of his batiks and watercolours, and he also had a solo exhibition in Indonesia that year. Khalil was a co-founder of the Malaysian Watercolour Society and rose to vice-president once. An important show titled Khalil Ibrahim: A Continued Dialogue was held at Galeri Petronas in 2004.