Introduction

‘From Sea to Summit’ is the work of four artists whose fascination with their environment is exceptional. Each one has a different focus, forming a complete picture of surroundings that have shaped the way people live. In the case of Ajis Mohamad and the late Joseph Tan, these are environments in which humans are, at the most, visitors. For Raphael Scott Ahbeng and Yeong Seak Ling, in particular, mankind is a partner in the landscape.

These four artists, between them, cover the widest possible range of landscapes. None of them represents landscapes in the conventional sense of the word. They are not just a lifeless record of topographical features. Each of the four is immersed in different worlds. The sum of these parts is Malaysia.

Artists

Ajis Mohamad

Ajis Mohamad (1964) known with his underwater scenery paintings. With his self-taught talent and experience, he clearly captured the underwater lives.

Joseph Tan

Joseph Tan (1941-2001) was involved in exhibitions as early as 1967 at a Graphic Show in Sydney, Australia. Upon his return, he held an exhibition at Galeri Samat, in Kuala Lumpur (1968). He was also an art lecturer at Institut Teknologi MARA.

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Raphael Scott Ahbeng

Raphael Scott Ahbeng (1939) graduated from Bath Academy of Art, in the United Kingdom, He was an art teacher and known with his nature theme especially the jungles of Sarawak.

Yeong Seak Ling

Yeong Seak Ling (1948) is one of the founders of the art group UTARA, which was established in 1977. In 1972 he was invited by the Penang Museum to hold a solo exhibition. Until now, he has produced numerous including ‘Rubber Plantation’, ‘Pigeon’, ‘Heritage Buildings’, ‘Old Windows’ and ‘Malaysian Kampung Life’.

Featured artists:

The late Joseph Tan, Yeong Seak Ling, Raphael Scott Ahbeng and Ajis Mohammad.