048

A drawing of interweaving forms by Datuk Ibrahim Hussein in both positive and negative modes using black and coloured inks, with lines and cross-hatches set against a layered mattress-like backdrop. Ib, as the artist is more popularly known, has done numerous drawings of anatomical play whenever it grabbed his fancy. His natural free-flowing lines are a trademark of his gift.

Ib first enrolled at the Nanyang Academy of Fine Arts, Singapore in 1956. He received a scholarship to study at the prestigious Byam Shaw School of Drawing and Painting and the Royal Academy in London where he graduated in 1963 and 1966 respectively. A Fulbright Award saw him touring the United States and having exhibitions there. When he returned, he created his controversial May 13 1969 painting. He was chosen to exhibit alongside Andy Warhol and Salvador Dali in Kuwait in 1977. His awards included the Japan Foundation Cultural Award (1981), the Monte Carlo 18th International Exhibition of Contemporary Art (1984), the Order of Andres Bello of Venezuela (1993), the Order of Bernardo O’ Higgins of Chile (1996), the World Economic Forum’s Crystal Award (1997) and the Anugerah Tokoh Melayu Terbilang (2007). A rare recipient of triple “Datuk” titles from various royalties, Ib was honoured with a retrospective exhibition by the National Art Gallery, Kuala Lumpur in 1986. After 11 years of struggles and planning, the Ibrahim Hussein Museum and Cultural Foundation in Langkawi was launched in 2000. Together with his wife Datin Sim, they organised the Club Mediterranee Asian Arts Festival in Cherating, Pahang and in Bali, Indonesia, as well as the 1st Langkawi International Festival of the Arts.