052

EXHIBITED
Historical Overview 1954-1994, Nanyang Gallery of Art, Kuala Lumpur, 1994-1995, illustrated on catalogue.

Miniature tumpal (triangles with reverse formations) are set within and across little square grids against a contemplative gradating colour scheme transitioning from blue to greenish hues and purple at the bottom. The blotting-out sides and the descending confetti of little geometry of triangles, double triangles joined at the tip, squares, diamond shapes play on the sense of movement. Known to be diverse in his artistic approach, the artist combined the traditional Malaysian Heritage as a language for his art.

Syed Ahmad Jamal was born in Johor in 1929. He received his early art education at the Chelsea School of Art in London (1951-1955) and his art teacher’s certificate at the London University (1955-1956). He was awarded the Fulbright scholarship to study sculpture at the Chicago Art Institute from 1963 to 1964. In 1974, he achieved his Masters in Art History after a two-year stint at the University of Honolulu, Hawaii. He had won prizes locally and internationally: First prize in Johor Art exhibition in 1950, Summer Competition, Chelsea School of Art London in 1954, Federation Art Competition Kuala Lumpur in 1962 and the National Bank of Malaysia Mural Competition. Syed Ahmad Jamal is recognised for his achievement of being an artist, educator, administrator and writer. For his great contribution, he was awarded the Seniman Negara (National Artist) in 1995.