Image size: 26.5 x 19 cm
Latiff Mohidin, born in Negeri Sembilan, Malaysia in 1941 completed his primary education in Singapore. While in Singapore, at an early age, Latiff’s precocity in understanding paintings earned him the nickname, ‘Wonder Boy’. From 1960-1964, Latiff studied art at Hochschule fur Bildende Kunste in Berlin, Germany and did brief residencies in Paris and New York. Inspired by his exploration of Southeast Asia in 1964, Latiff has since produced compelling series of artworks – the result of a synthesis between his European experience and the rediscovery of his homeland. He is also a poet who has published several volumes of poetry. ‘Langkawi (3)’ is a sketch that emphasizes the three-dimensionality of the wall sculpture. The five forms feature a rectangular or square centre-piece, recessed or elevated in relation to the lower and upper protrusion which is mostly in the shape of a dome. They display a strong verticality that compels one to look upwards. This directed gaze pulling towards a higher level suggests a quest for spirituality. Most of the forms show traces of Latiff’s previous study of shields, boats and ‘congkaks’ and are reminiscent of sacred art such as domes, the kiblat in mosques and altars.
