DATUK SYED AHMAD JAMAL Paintings & Artwork for Sale | DATUK SYED AHMAD JAMAL Art Value Price Guide

Jan. 14, 2024
Syed Ahmad Jamal, Datuk (b. 1929 - 2011) Jalur Di Tebing (Dugout On The Bank), 2004
Est: RM25,000 - RM40,000
Jalur Di Tebing (Dugout On The Bank) traces a life's journey and a fidelity to one's roots. An excerpt reads: Kerana jalur juga menyimpan Seumur perasaan Yang dilahir atau dipendamkan, Surat dalam hikayat kayuhnya. Ke manakah Pergi kita Setelah kuala bertemu laut? The drawing is arguably the first work put up for auction taken from the book, Meraih Ruang (Dewan Bahasa dan Pustaka). It was a collaboration between two giants in paint and print (literary), namely Seniman Negara Datuk Syed Ahmad Jamal and Sasterawan Negara Muhammad Salleh. Datuk Syed Ahmad Jamal's substantive art education was at the Chelsea School of Art, the Institute of Education (London University), the Malay Teacher's Training College in Kirkby, and the School of the Art Institute Chicago and the University of Hawaii, Honolulu. He had taught, and was even principal, at the Specialist Teachers Training Institute in Kuala Lumpur, before becoming a director first of the Asian Cultural Centre (Universiti Malaya, KL), and then the National Art Gallery (NAG). He was given a Retrospective by the NAG in 1975, and a monster Retrospective called Syed Ahmad Jamal: Pelukis (2009), also at the NAG. These were preceded by a major Historical Overview at the Nanyang Gallery of Art, Kuala Lumpur (1994-1995). He was the only visual artist so far to be awarded the National Artist Award, in 1995, and in 1996, he was conferred the ‘Datukship'. He was also honoured with country awards from India (1962), the United States (1963-1964), France (1970), and Australia (1984). He was also author of several art books, primarily Rupa Dan Jiwa and the autobiographical Kunang-Kunang. He was also a cartoonist, and a logo, décor cum designer, for the stage plays Desaria, z:oo-m, Tok Perak, Puteri Gunung Ledang and Keris. He is known for his two monumental public sculptures, one in Laman Asean in Lake Gardens, Kuala Lumpur, and the other, Lunar Peaks, which was torn down. He won a court case against the Kuala Lumpur City Hall for desecrating his sculpture.
Henry Butcher Art Auctioneers
Jul. 09, 2023
SYED AHMAD JAMAL, DATUK : Senyuman, 2009
Est: RM220,000 - RM450,000
Datuk Syed Ahmad Jamal was born to fit this artistic role. Born in Bandar Maharani, Muar, Johor on Sept 19, 1929, Syed Ahmad Jamal had a carefree childhood. Even at a very young age, he had a deep sense of observation and appreciation for the natural milieu of his environment. His family lived in a small community where rubber plantations were abundant. Evidence of his keen eye of observation, Syed Ahmad used to find himself gazing at the clouds and sky in fascination and speculated that perhaps God lay amongst those clouds. Among the array of striking artworks to look out for during KLAS Art Auction is one of Malaysia’s prominent artist, Datuk Syed Ahmad Jamal’s ‘Senyuman’ (smile). This beautiful piece of work is a confluence of modernity and culture, exhibiting vibrant colours and a subtle grace to command viewers’ attention. We currently hold the record hammer price for Datuk Syed Ahmad Jamal’s artwork entitled ‘Nur Tenaga’, hammered in KLAS Art Auction SALE XXVIII, on July 30 2017 for a whopping RM 490,332.00.
KLAS Art Auction
Mar. 19, 2023
Syed Ahmad Jamal, Datuk (b. 1929 - 2011) Past And Present, 1961
Est: RM200,000 - RM350,000
This was Cheras on the south-eastern edge of Kuala Lumpur in the 1960s, when Syed Ahmad Jamal (SAJ), later Datuk, spent invigorating years between 1961-1963 at the Specialist Teachers Training Institute in Jalan Yaacob Latif (he was made principal in 1962). It was then heavily forested with great biodiversity with waterfalls and hills like Bukit Ketumbar (Coriander Hill), Bukit Saga, Bukit Apek, wildlife and bird-watching hiking trails. Now, it is a concrete jungle of housing estates. Stylistically, SAJ, back from his England art studies, was in the throes of his calligraphic, cursive and curvilinear forms in re-romancing the landscapes of great arbours, hilly terrain and streams. And the swirling sonorous elements were evident in works such as The Bait, Terbang, Tulisan and Starry Nights. His brushstrokes were raw yet elegant with a refreshing palette of blue, green and yellow. The hills/mountains were not so structured or symbolic as in his latter-years Gunung Ledang Series. Here was what started as 21 shophouses in Ulu Pudu into a vast arterial housing conglomerate served by a network of massive expressways and 11 MRT stations. The Five Arts Centre even commemorated this real-estate boom with Cheras The Musical. Another interesting observation is that the idea of Puncak Purnama was already rooted in the artist's mind as early as in 1961 (as shown at lower center of the painting), while the sculpture was later erected in mid 1980s, and unfortunately brutally demolished by DBKL in 2016. Datuk Syed Ahmad Jamal's career: from his art tutelage to his manifold administrative duties, his scholarly writings, and most of all, his significant art legacy of paintings and sculptures. He got into the Chelsea School of Art and London University after aborting studies in Birmingham School of Architecture, and continued at the School of the Art Institute Chicago, and the University of Hawaii, Honolulu. He headed the Asian Cultural Centre (Universiti Malaya, KL), the National Art Gallery (NAG) KL, and the Specialist Teachers Training Institute. The NAG honoured him with a Retrospective in 1975, and another big Retrospective titled Syed Ahmad Jamal: Pelukis (2009). He was also honoured with a major historical overview (1954-1994) exhibition by the Nanyang Gallery of Art, Kuala Lumpur, in 1994-1995. The only visual art recipient of the National Artist Award, he was made a Datuk in 1996. His major books included Rupa Dan Jiwa (1992) and the autobiographical Kunang-Kunang (1999). He also designed logos, dÃ©cor and costumes for stage plays and was noted for several cartoon illustrations.
Henry Butcher Art Auctioneers
Nov. 06, 2022
Syed Ahmad Jamal, Datuk (b. Johor, 1929 - 2011) Figure, 1965
Est: RM200,000 - RM320,000
The figure silhouette has appeared a few times in Datuk Syed Ahmad Jamal's canvases, but this is a 'fleshy' full-frontal one walking slightly tilted left with two spheres of colours cutting into the body principle and a head with the top half in another colour sphere, a grey one. Above him, or is it a her with an androgynous form, is a half orb in yellow. This is shown on Page 165 in Syed Ahmad Jamal's Saraseni, A Historical Overview (1954-1994) (Nanyang Gallery of Art, 1994). The figure, mostly a blob of black also plops up in Berenang (1965), First Lost, Climbing, Penelope and Longing Miss. This work came after the artist's return from studies at the School of Art Institute in Chicago (1963-1964), and may portend a crossroad faced, either personal or careerwise, which direction to take with so many imponderables. Painter-sculptor, administrator, educator, designer, author (Rupa Dan Jiwa, 1992; and Kunang-Kunang, 1999) - Datuk Syed Ahmad Jamal's manifold duties had seen his conferment of the Datukship in 1996; the National Artist laureate in 1995; a Retrospective by the National Art Gallery (NAG) in 1975 and a Historical Overview by the Nanyang Gallery of Art (1994) and a monster tribute called Syed Ahmad Jamal: Artist exhibition (2009) at NAG. His main tutelage was at the Chelsea School of Art (1951-1955), the Institute of Education at the London University (1955-1956), the Malay Teacher's Training College in Kirkby, Lancashire (1958-1959), the School of the Art Institute Chicago (1963-1964) and the University of Hawaii, Honolulu (1973-1974). He was principal of the Specialist Teachers Training Institute in Kuala Lumpur, director of the Asian Cultural Centre (Universiti Malaya) and the NAG (1981-1991).
Henry Butcher Art Auctioneers
May. 29, 2022
SYED AHMAD JAMAL, DATUK : Study for Public Sculpture, June 1999
Est: RM10,000 - RM18,000
Former National Art Laureate and Johor born artist Datuk Syed Ahmad Jamal has given much to the Malaysian art world in his teachings, services as board and committee member to various art-related organisations as well as being an art curator. In 1995 he was awarded the National Art Award which recognised him as a National Artist. He is probably one of the country’s first abstract artists and he uses the non-figurative language to express his ideas about culture, politics and poetry.
KLAS Art Auction
Mar. 27, 2022
Syed Ahmad Jamal, Datuk (b. Johor, 1929 - 2011) Berenang, 1965
Est: RM220,000 - RM400,000
Celebrated for his immensely invaluable contribution to the development of Malaysian art that spanned over five decades, the late Datuk Syed Ahmad Jamal produced art that bears profound personal, social and moral significance in various forms and medium for the masses with his later works lodged in spiritual and religious ethos demonstrating balance and harmony on canvas. From figurative and caricature drawings, abstract paintings, sculptures, textile art, murals, stage and poster designs to writings, the all-encompassing artist, cultural observer and educator has been truly missed by the art community since his passing. On offer here is an outstanding oil painting entitled Berenang (Swimming) profoundly executed in 1965, a period that represents the creation of the artist’s most personal biographical works. In an essay by academician Hasnul J. Saidon titled 55 Years of Collecting Syed Ahmad Jamal’s Works - published in a monograph in conjunction with a seminal exhibition titled Syed Ahmad Jamal: PELUKIS and in celebration of the artist’s 80th birthday at the National Visual Arts Gallery, Kuala Lumpur in 2009 – the author pointed out that this historical piece, Berenang dated 1965 alongside other significant works namely Relationship (1964), Lost (1965) and Figure (1965) correspond with a life episode that is especially intimate following events of personal obstacles faced by the late Datuk Syed Ahmad Jamal. This painting’s coarse yet fluid surface illustrated in cool and warm palette of dominant blue with yellow and red suggests a tranquil state of mind amidst an act of resistance – an epiphany to the artist’s inner emotions expressed through melancholic but nevertheless vibrant gestures akin to other works produced in the same year namely 19.9.65 – a painting that marks the artist’s birthday - and Figure depicting a lone, anonymous human form submerged in a dual-columned blue yellow and red segments emulating water and/or earth that perhaps symbolises a plunge into the abyss. A similar meaning is conveyed here by adopting the act of swimming (swimming towards something bright and marvelous, poised to embrace a new chapter in life) as a life metaphor emanating a sense of solemnity for the year 1965 signifies the bitter end of his first marriage. Datuk Syed Ahmad Jamal had incorporated the use of incongruity in his early works through the juxtaposition of warm and cool hues, light and dark since Self-Portrait. Executed in 1955 prior to leaving Chelsea to return home, the self-depiction is known to be his first endeavour illustrating himself in a representational manner using contradictory colour schemes. Artist (painter, sculptor, logo designer), academician, administrator, critic-writer, curator, stage and costume designer, cartoonist. That’s Datuk Syed Ahmad Jamal, the only fine-art National Laureate. He was director of the National Art Gallery (NAG, 1981-1991), the Asian Cultural Centre (Universiti Malaya, KL, 1979-1983), and principal of the Specialist Teachers Training Institute, from 1964 (1961-1972). The NAG honoured him with a Retrospective in 1975, and another Retrospective titled Syed Ahmad Jamal: Pelukis (2009), besides Syed Ahmad Jamal: Historical Overview 1954-1994 (Nanyang Gallery of Art, KL, 1994-1995). His awards include the Datukship (1996), country awards from India (1962), the United States (1963-1964), France (1970), and Australia (1984). Datuk Syed Ahmad Jamal had his formal art education in Britain and the United States culminating with a Masters degree in Art History from the University of Hawaii, Honolulu (1973-1974). He authored two major books, Rupa Dan Jiwa (1992) and the autobiographical Kunang-Kunang (1999).
Henry Butcher Art Auctioneers
Dec. 05, 2021
Syed Ahmad Jamal, Datuk (b. Johor, 1929 – d. 2011) Pak Teh Series, 1948
Est: RM30,000 - RM55,000
Datuk Syed Ahmad Jamal’s art career spanned a spectrum of disciplines. Painter, sculptor, graphic artist, designer, administrator, lecturer, art commentator and cartoonist. He dabbled in cartoons when he was just 19, doing both single frame or panel strip. With scant local references or models, he betrayed influences of Western humour and showed a penchant for the slapstick. In this, he poked fun at the Anglicised ways of the Malay people’s pipe-smoking and salam (greetings) shaking hands instead of the usual extension of both hands to grasp the other person’s and often with a respectful bow. The irony of the person garbed in Baju Melayu, sarong et al, is not lost. Or poked fun at the British colonial masters in bouts of merriment during Christmas and New Year. Let’s take a snapshot look at Datuk Syed Ahmad Jamal. Education: Birmingham School of Architecture (did not complete); Chelsea School of Art, the Institute of Education, London University; Malay Teacher’s Training College in Kirkby; the School of the Art Institute Chicago (1963-1964) and University of Hawaii, Honolulu. Major exhibitions: Retrospective at the National Art Gallery (NAG) in 1975; Syed Ahmad Jamal: Artist exhibition in 2009; Historical Overview at the Nanyang Gallery of Art in 1994-1995. Awards: National Art Laureate (1995); Panglima Jasa Negara (which carries the title ‘Datuk’, 1996); Country awards from India (1962), the United States (1963-1964), France (1970), and Australia (1984). Posts: Director – Asian Cultural Centre in Universiti Malaya, KL and the National Art Gallery. Principal – Specialist Teachers Training Institute in Kuala Lumpur. Monumental sculptures: Laman Asean in the Lake Gardens, Kuala Lumpur, and the other, Lunar Peaks (torn down by Kuala Lumpur City Hall). Books: Rupa Dan Jiwa (1992), which was translated into English, and the autobiographical Kunang-Kunang (1999).
Henry Butcher Art Auctioneers
Dec. 05, 2021
Syed Ahmad Jamal, Datuk (b. Johor, 1929 – d. 2011) Untitled, 2007
Est: RM25,000 - RM45,000
By all accounts, it’s a happy painting, though everything seems poised on the tip of an inverted triangle. After all, an inverted triangle or the tumpal motif symbolism has also come to mean ‘LOVE’. It’s also a perverse mechanism of power structure. An egg-shaped oval is skewered to the inverted triangle, which then becomes a celebratory tulip flute glass and there is an auspicious golden yolk in the ‘egg’. The surrounding strokes are all in an upward trajectory and hey presto, it’s a pyrotechnics of everything nice, a rainbow confetti of butterfly and star shapes. It’s like the pohon hayat, the tree of life: a blessing of the Lailatul Qadr (Night of Power). This is the real mccoy, not the customary ‘bunga telur’ pressed on the hands of every Malay wedding guest. Let’s take a snapshot look at Datuk Syed Ahmad Jamal. Education: Birmingham School of Architecture (did not complete); Chelsea School of Art, the Institute of Education, London University; Malay Teacher’s Training College in Kirkby; the School of the Art Institute Chicago (1963-1964) and University of Hawaii, Honolulu. Major exhibitions: Retrospective at the National Art Gallery (NAG) in 1975; Syed Ahmad Jamal: Artist exhibition in 2009; Historical Overview at the Nanyang Gallery of Art in 1994-1995. Awards: National Art Laureate (1995); Panglima Jasa Negara (which carries the title ‘Datuk’, 1996); Country awards from India (1962), the United States (1963-1964), France (1970), and Australia (1984). Posts: Director – Asian Cultural Centre in Universiti Malaya, and the National Art Gallery Malaysia. Principal – Specialist Teachers Training Institute in Kuala Lumpur. Monumental sculptures: Laman Asean in the Lake Gardens, Kuala Lumpur, and the other, Lunar Peaks (torn down by Kuala Lumpur City Hall). Books: Rupa Dan Jiwa (1992), which was translated into English, and the autobiographical Kunang-Kunang (1999).
Henry Butcher Art Auctioneers
Dec. 05, 2021
Syed Ahmad Jamal, Datuk (b. Johor, 1929 – d. 2011) Kampung Sungai Cincin, 2002
Est: RM235,000 - RM350,000
To be living amidst verdant greens within an encroaching city centre is an artist’s blessings, and delight. It was a manna of sorts when National Art Laureate artist Datuk Syed Ahmad Jamal moved to Kampung Sungai Cincin in Gombak, some 13 miles from the Kuala Lumpur city centre, Postcode 53100, in 1988. Mostly a Malay reserved land enclave, it still dots with zinc-roofed houses and lots of greenery even as plush bungalows and condominiums inevitably change the salubrious landscape. A kampung in the city. But for how long? Still, a far cry from his erstwhile abode in the regimented concrete jungle that is Cheras. Set on a slight elevation, his abode is a health balm with premium P&Q (Peace and Quiet), with invigorating air and a bird-watcher’s delight. He was there when he was accorded his Historical Overview in 1994-1995, and later his 2009 grand national ‘Pelukis’ exhibition. Kampung Sungai Cincin was a mixed settlement of local Malays and the Mandailings from Indonesia in the 19th century, known for its ‘penghulu’ Sheikh Mohd Nor al-Kholidi, who famously retrieved a bride’s cincin (ring) from the locale river, and which gave the kampung its name. Let’s take a snapshot look at Datuk Syed Ahmad Jamal. Education: Birmingham School of Architecture (did not complete); Chelsea School of Art, the Institute of Education, London University; Malay Teacher’s Training College in Kirkby; the School of the Art Institute Chicago (1963-1964) and University of Hawaii, Honolulu. Major exhibitions: Retrospective at the National Art Gallery (NAG) in 1975; Syed Ahmad Jamal: Artist exhibition in 2009; Historical Overview at the Nanyang Gallery of Art in 1994-1995. Awards: National Art Laureate (1995); Panglima Jasa Negara (which carries the title ‘Datuk’, 1996); Country awards from India (1962), the United States (1963-1964), France (1970), and Australia (1984). Posts: Director – Asian Cultural Centre in Universiti Malaya, and the National Art Gallery Malaysia. Principal – Specialist Teachers Training Institute in Kuala Lumpur. Monumental sculptures: Laman Asean in the Lake Gardens, Kuala Lumpur, and the other, Lunar Peaks (torn down by Kuala Lumpur City Hall). Books: Rupa Dan Jiwa (1992), which was translated into English, and the autobiographical Kunang-Kunang (1999).
Henry Butcher Art Auctioneers
Nov. 28, 2021
SYED AHMAD JAMAL : Picnic at Sonning, 2006
Est: RM280,000 - RM400,000
One of Malaysia’s prominent artists, Datuk Syed Ahmad Jamal’s magnificent ‘Picnic at Sonning, 2006’ is a beautiful piece of work, a product of modernity and technique, exhibitingvibrant colours and a subtle grace to command viewers’ attention. This well executed masterpiece is a depiction of the late artist’s early days in the United Kingdom. Syed Ahmad Jamal used to play cricket in the summer with his lecturers at Sonning Park. On such outing, his lecturer bowled a ball that spun, bounced off the ground and hit him right in his knee which later gave him a bad bruise. The artist masterfully translated that memory onto canvas.
KLAS Art Auction
Aug. 15, 2021
SYED AHMAD JAMAL, DATUK : Sculptural Drawing 2, 1966
Est: RM10,000 - RM22,000
As the eldest of his family, with six younger brothers and sisters to look after, a higher education seemed out of reach to Syed Ahmad. But despite his predicament, he did well in school that the Johor government awarded him the Yayasan Sultan Ibrahim Scholarship to study at the Birmingham School of Architecture, England in 1950. Once he was there, however, he realised that architecture just wasn’t his cup of tea. The time he looked forward to most was when his class went to sketch in the outdoors or visit art galleries. Syed Ahmad’s sketches would always turn out to be the best among all his classmates’, something his principal, Mr Jones took notice of. “Lucky for me, Mr Jones saw my talent in art. ‘You are too good an artist to be an architect,’ he told me.” So Mr Jones wrote to the Johor government and said that I should discontinue my studies in architecture and enrol in art school instead. The first letter was rejected but Mr Jones persisted and wrote an appeal.” This time, the Johor government responded and Syed Ahmad was soon on his way to Chelsea School. His dream had finally come true.
KLAS Art Auction
Jun. 27, 2021
SYED AHMAD JAMAL, DATUK : Sculptural Drawing 3, 1966
Est: RM15,000 - RM25,000
As the eldest of his family, with six younger brothers and sisters to look after, a higher education seemed out of reach to Syed Ahmad. But despite his predicament, he did well in school that the Johor government awarded him the Yayasan Sultan Ibrahim Scholarship to study at the Birmingham School of Architecture, England in 1950. Once he was there, however, he realised that architecture just wasn’t his cup of tea. The time he looked forward to most was when his class went to sketch in the outdoors or visit art galleries. Syed Ahmad’s sketches would always turn out to be the best among all his classmates’, something his principal, Mr Jones took notice of. “Lucky for me, Mr Jones saw my talent in art. ‘You are too good an artist to be an architect,’ he told me.” So Mr Jones wrote to the Johor government and said that I should discontinue my studies in architecture and enrol in art school instead. The first letter was rejected but Mr Jones persisted and wrote an appeal.” This time, the Johor government responded and Syed Ahmad was soon on his way to Chelsea School. His dream had finally come true.
KLAS Art Auction
Mar. 28, 2021
WITHDRAWN
Est: -
As the eldest of his family, with six younger brothers and sisters to look after, a higher education seemed out of reach to Syed Ahmad. But despite his predicament, he did well in school that the Johor government awarded him the Yayasan Sultan Ibrahim Scholarship to study at the Birmingham School of Architecture, England in 1950. Once he was there, however, he realised that architecture just wasn’t his cup of tea. The time he looked forward to most was when his class went to sketch in the outdoors or visit art galleries. Syed Ahmad’s sketches would always turn out to be the best among all his classmates’, something his principal, Mr Jones took notice of. “Lucky for me, Mr Jones saw my talent in art. ‘You are too good an artist to be an architect,’ he told me.” So Mr Jones wrote to the Johor government and said that I should discontinue my studies in architecture and enroll in art school instead. The first letter was rejected but Mr Jones persisted and wrote an appeal.” This time, the Johor government responded and Syed Ahmad was soon on his way to Chelsea School. His dream had finally come true.
KLAS Art Auction
Mar. 15, 2020
Syed Ahmad Jamal, Datuk (b. Johor, 1929 - d. Kuala Lumpur, 2011) Ruang Biru, 2001
Est: RM270,000 - RM400,000
A shower of meteor, like the cascades of stars in Datuk Syed Ahmad Jamal’s similarly veined works like Lailatul Qadr (Night of Power) and 99 (presumably the 99 appellations of Allah) is a cleansing ritual, warding against or suppressing evil. It is a symbolic manifestation of Good and the Virtuous against what is Evil and Devious. While the pelts in abundantly gorgeous colours do not come in orderly streams, there is that overpowering sense of Beauty, with the velocity and luminosity emanating a great sense of power. It follows the trajectory of a heaven drop or a cloudburst, and sometimes he uses the centrifugal force or the fountain spray effect. All things big or small and all things “that are between the heaven and the earth”. This masterpiece manifests Datuk Syed Ahmad Jamal as a symbolist and a colourist par excellence. Datuk Syed Ahmad Jamal towers over Malaysian art as artist-sculptor, administrator, curator, writer-critic, educator and designer. He was awarded a Retrospective at the National Art Gallery (NAG) in 1975, and Syed Ahmad Jamal: Artist exhibition in 2009. In 1994-95, the Nanyang Gallery of Art organised his Historical Overview 1954-1994. He was the only visual artist so far to be awarded the National Artist Award, in 1995. In 1996, he was conferred the Panglima Jasa Negara, which carries the title ‘Datuk’. He was a director of the Asian Cultural Centre in Universiti Malaya, KL (1979-1983), and the National Art Gallery (NAG, 1981-1991). He taught at the Specialist Teachers Training Institute in Kuala Lumpur from 1961 to 1972, becoming its principal in 1964. He did two monumental public sculptures, one in Laman Asean in the Lake Gardens, Kuala Lumpur, and the other, Lunar Peaks, which had since been torn down by the Kuala Lumpur City Hall. He designed the décor and costumes for the stage plays Desaria (1981), z:oo-m (1984), Tok Perak (1992), Puteri Gunung Ledang (1995) and Keris (2007). He wrote two major books namely Rupa Dan Jiwa (1992), which was translated into English, and the autobiographical Kunang-Kunang (1999). His education was at the Birmingham School of Architecture (1950-1951), Chelsea School of Art (1951-1955), the Institute of Education, London University (1955-1956), and the School of the Art Institute Chicago (1963-1964) and University of Hawaii, Honolulu (1973-1974). He was also in the Arts Council from 1960 to 1972 serving as deputy chairman from 1968; chairman of the Wednesday Art Group and the Angkatan Pelukis SeMalaysia in 1969, and president of the Malaysian Artists Association. He was also honoured with country awards from India (1962), the United States (1963-1964), France (1970), and Australia (1984).
Henry Butcher Art Auctioneers
Mar. 01, 2020
SYED AHMAD JAMAL, DATUK : Picnic at Sonning, 2006
Est: RM250,000 - RM400,000
One of Malaysia’s prominent artists, Datuk Syed Ahmad Jamal’s magnificent ‘Picnic at Sonning, 2006’ is a beautiful piece of work, a product of modernity and technique, exhibiting vibrant colours and a subtle grace to command viewers’ attention.
KLAS Art Auction
Nov. 24, 2019
SYED AHMAD JAMAL, DATUK : Untitled, 2000
Est: RM3,500 - RM5,000
Born in Bandar Maharani, Muar, Johor on Sept 19, 1929, Syed Ahmad Jamal had a carefree childhood on the land owned by his grandfather Syed Sahil, a prominent businessman in Johor Bahru. At a young age, he had begun to develop a keen sense of appreciation for the countryside’s natural landscapes and spent a lot of time observing his surroundings. Had he been raised in the city of Kuala Lumpur, he doesn’t think he would have that kind of sensitivity to his surroundings, and ultimately create the art that he does now. In this piece, the work draws the audience in a world of possibilities, reimagining the beauty of a potted plant.
KLAS Art Auction
Nov. 03, 2019
Syed Ahmad Jamal, Datuk (b. 1950 - d. 2011) PERCHOBAAN, 1965
Est: RM150,000 - RM250,000
The ambivalent response to Datuk Syed Ahmad Jamal’s (DSAJ) work stems from some inside information about a sensitive time in the National Laureate’s domestic life, when his marriage was on the rocks, when he had so much to cheer for – his then coming Sept 19 birthday, his third solo exhibition, and his promotion as acting principal of the Specialist Teachers Training Institute (STTI). To the nebulous figure in the oval shape truncated at the top, like an ovum, is ‘it’ dancing more for forgetfulness than celebration, or skidding? Or probably it’s a piece depicting ballet dancer, a tribute to the world famous Swan Lake, as the shape of a swan is visible at the bottom of the yellow hues? DSAJ enrolled at the Birmingham School of Architecture but after a year, switched to Chelsea School of Art in London (1951-55). He received a Fulbright scholarship to study Sculpture at the Chicago Institute of Art (1963-64). In 1974, he received his Masters of Art History from the University of Honolulu, Hawaii. His top-notched honours include the Asean Cultural Award (1987), Anugerah Seni Negara (1995). He was director of the National Art Gallery (1983-91) and the Asian Art Museum (1979-83), and principal of the Specialist Teachers Training Institute (1964-72, but there since 1961).
Henry Butcher Art Auctioneers
Nov. 03, 2019
Syed Ahmad Jamal, Datuk (b. 1929 - d. 2011) Past And Present, 1961
Est: RM200,000 - RM350,000
This oblong work stretching 183cm seems to be the one that got away in Datuk Syed Ahmad Jamal’s otherwise well-documented dossier in the earlier stage of his career, this coming at his second solo in Singapore in 1961, his first being at the British Council in Kuala Lumpur in 1960. He was beginning to teach at the Specialist Teachers Training Institute until 1964 when he was made the principal until 1972. Two possible locations to this work – the Ketumbar and Orchid Hills of Cheras before massive encroaching housing development with the building of the main highway or the Melawati Hills, with pockets of building clusters amidst natural surroundings. Or it could be another masterpiece with full colours that celebrate the moments of past and present... Datuk Syed Ahmad was educated at the Birmingham School of Architecture (1950-1951), Chelsea School of Art (1951-1955), the Institute of Education, London University (1955-1956), the School of the Art Institute Chicago (1963-1964) and University of Hawaii, Honolulu (1973-1974). He was a director of the Asian Cultural Centre in Universiti Malaya, KL (1979- 1983), and the National Art Gallery (NAG, 1981-1991). The NAG honoured him with a Retrospective in 1975, and another monster Retrospective titled Syed Ahmad Jamal: Pelukis (2009). He was awarded the National Artist Award, in 1995, and in 1996, he was conferred the Panglima Jasa Negara, which carries the title ‘Datuk’. He was also honoured with country awards from India (1962), the United States (1963-1964), France (1970), and Australia (1984). He was guest artist of the Dewan Bahasa dan Pustaka (1991-1992), Ministry of Culture, Arts and Tourism (1995-1996) and the NAG (2008-2009). He wrote two major books namely Rupa Dan Jiwa (1992), which was translated into English, and the autobiographical Kunang-Kunang (1999).
Henry Butcher Art Auctioneers
Sep. 29, 2019
SYED AHMAD JAMAL, DATUK : Roger at Work, Chelsea Scool of Art Series, 1950s
Est: RM10,000 - RM15,000
"As the eldest of his family, with six younger brothers and sisters to look after, a higher education seemed out of reach to Syed Ahmad. But despite his predicament, he did so well in school that the Johor government awarded him the Yayasan Sultan Ibrahim Scholarship to study at the Birmingham School of Architecture, England on 1950. Once he was there, however, he realised that architecture just wasnt his cup of tea. The time he looked forward to most was when his class went to sketch in the outdoors or visit art galleries. Syed Ahmads sketches would always turn out to be the best among all his classmates, something his principle, Mr Jones took notice of. _Lucky for me, Mr Jones saw my talent in art. ´You are too good an artist to be an architect, he told me.î So Mr Jones wrote to the Johor government and said that I should discontinue my studies in architecture and enroll in art school instead. The first letter was rejected but Mr Jones persisted and wrote an appeal.î This time, the Johor government responded and Syed Ahmad was soon on his way to the Chelsea School His dream had finally come true."
KLAS Art Auction
Sep. 29, 2019
SYED AHMAD JAMAL, DATUK : Senyuman, 2009
Est: RM420,000 - RM600,000
"Datuk Syed Ahmad Jamal was born to fit this artistic role. Born in Bandar Maharani, Muar, Johor on Sept 19, 1929, Syed Ahmad Jamal had a carefree childhood. Even at a very young age, he had a deep sense of observation and appreciation for the natural milieu of his environment. His family lived in a small community where rubber plantations were abundant. Evidence of his keen eye of observation, Syed Ahmad used to find himself gazing at the clouds and sky in fascination and speculated that perhaps God lay amongst those clouds." "Among the array of striking artworks to look out for during KLAS Art Auction Sale XXXVII, is one of Malaysias prominent artist, Datuk Syed Ahmad Jamals ´Senyuman (smile). This beautiful piece of work is a confluence of modernity and culture, exhibiting vibrant colours and a subtle grace to command viewers attention. We currently hold the record hammer price for Datuk Syed Ahmad Jamals artwork entitled ´Nur Tenaga, hammered in KLAS art auction SALE XXVIII, on July 30 2017 for a whopping RM 490,332.00."
KLAS Art Auction
Sep. 29, 2019
SYED AHMAD JAMAL, DATUK : Study for Songket Mural 14
Est: RM15,000 - RM25,000
"Born in Bandar Maharani, Muar, Johor on Sept 19, 1929, Syed Ahmad Jamal had a carefree childhood on the land owned by his grandfather Syed Sahil, a prominent businessman in Johor Bahru. At a young age, he had begun to develop a keen sense of appreciation for the countrysides natural landscapes and spent a lot of time observing his surroundings. Had he were to grow in the city of Kuala Lumpur, he doesnt think he would have that kind of sensitivity to his surroundings, and ltimately create the art that he does now."
KLAS Art Auction
Jul. 07, 2019
SYED AHMAD JAMAL, DATUK : Berenang - Swimming, 1965
Est: RM200,000 - RM300,000
"Born in Bandar Maharani, Muar, Johor on Sept 19, 1929, Syed Ahmad Jamal had a carefree childhood on the land owned by his grandfather Syed Sahil, a prominent businessman in Johor Bahru. At a young age, he had begun to develop a keen sense of appreciation for the countrysideês natural landscapes and spent a lot of time observing his surroundings. Had he were to grow in the city of Kuala Lumpur, he doesnêt think he would have that kind of sensitivity to his surroundings, and ultimately create the art that he does now. Do we choose our destiny, or does destiny choose us? For 82-year-old Datuk Syed Ahmad bin Jamal Sahil, the statement holds true either way _ he has chosen art and he is the chosen one to tread the path of art. And when things occur in this manner, there is no limit to what one can do and achieve. As for Syed Ahmad Jamal, his life has unfolded into a colourful journey, a story told through his paintings, which are generally streaked with vibrant, energetic hues."
KLAS Art Auction
Jun. 30, 2019
Syed Ahmad Jamal, Datuk (b. 1929 - d. 2011) Hijrah, 1999
Est: RM350,000 - RM550,000
Hijrah conjures the migration of the great Prophet Muhammad from Mecca to Medina, but Datuk Syed Ahmad Jamal’s interpretations on canvas take it beyond religiosity, forms, ideas and colours. The transition of red, blue, green, yellow and the Nur white with a blobish dark-hued blues evokes a sense of struggle and obstacle despite the evanescent shades. This work is featured on page 44 of the catalogue of the eponymous exhibition, Between Heaven And Earth (Galeri Petronas, 2000), and in the same Hegira Series are Arafah (1999) and Safa / Marwa (2000). Curator Dr. Muliyadi Mahamood concluded in Between Heaven And Earth: “From the point of view of iconography, Between Heaven And Earth comprises an Islamic message supported by traditional values and applied to contemporary society. For Datuk Syed Ahmad Jamal, this world, the space between Heaven and Earth, belongs to Allah, the Lord of the Worlds.” An artist, an academician, an administrator, a critic-writer, a curator, a stage and costume designer, a cartoonist. National Laureate Datuk Syed Ahmad Jamal had been director of the Asian Cultural Centre, Universiti Malaya, KL (1979-1983), the National Art Gallery (NAG) (1981-1991), and principal of the Specialist Teachers Training Institute, from 1964 (1961-1972). The NAG honoured him with a Retrospective in 1975, and another monster Retrospective titled Syed Ahmad Jamal: Pelukis (2009). He also had a survey exhibition titled, Syed Ahmad Jamal: Historical Overview 1954-1994, held at the Nanyang Gallery of Art, Kuala Lumpur, from 1994-1995. In 1996, he was conferred the Panglima Jasa Negara, which carries the title ‘Datuk’. He was also honoured with country awards from India (1962), the United States (1963-1964), France (1970), and Australia (1984). In the October 2018 Henry Butcher Art Auction, Datuk Syed Ahmad Jamal’s 1957 oil on board, Ronggeng, sold for a premium of RM470,400.
Henry Butcher Art Auctioneers
Jun. 30, 2019
Syed Ahmad Jamal, Datuk (b. 1929 - d. 2011) Landscape Outside Liverpool, 1959
Est: RM10,000 - RM18,000
The vegetation is sparse, with a pervasive sense of desolation in this doodle likely done when Datuk Syed Ahmad Jamal was teaching at the Malayan Teachers Training College in Kirby, Lancashire, for two years from 1958-1959. For some reasons, he felt cold and lonely there this time. It was his second stint in UK, his first when studying Art at the Chelsea School of Art and the Institute of Education at the London University from 1950-1956. It was during this Kirby period that Syed Ahmad Jamal came up with iconic pieces like Sawah Padi, Chairil Anwar (all 1958), Angin Dingin and Umpan (both 1959). On his return, he held his first solo at the British Council, Kuala Lumpur, in 1960. An artist, an academician, an administrator, a critic-writer, a curator, a stage and costume designer, a cartoonist. National Laureate Datuk Syed Ahmad Jamal had been director of the Asian Cultural Centre, Universiti Malaya, KL (1979-1983), the National Art Gallery (NAG) (1981-1991), and principal of the Specialist Teachers Training Institute, from 1964 (1961-1972). The NAG honoured him with a Retrospective in 1975, and another monster Retrospective titled Syed Ahmad Jamal: Pelukis (2009). He also had a survey exhibition titled, Syed Ahmad Jamal: Historical Overview 1954-1994, held at the Nanyang Gallery of Art, Kuala Lumpur, from 1994-1995. In 1996, he was conferred the Panglima Jasa Negara, which carries the title ‘Datuk’. He was also honoured with country awards from India (1962), the United States (1963-1964), France (1970), and Australia (1984).
Henry Butcher Art Auctioneers
Mar. 24, 2019
Syed Ahmad Jamal, Datuk (b. 1929 - d. 2011) Untitled, undated
Est: RM8,000 - RM15,000
There can be discerned several panels of drawings with only the central centerpiece prominent in terms of enunciation and colours while the rest around it are in light touches. The clusters of ferns â green, blue, red, yellow and purple, in the central panel looks complete itself, and therefore, the obvious question of having the peripheral panels to âcompleteâ it. It could be a sketch for an important work, or a study on composition and mastering of colours. Datuk Syed Ahmad Jamal is well-known as an artist-sculptor, administrator, designer, curator and author. He was honoured with a Retrospective by the National Art Gallery (NAG) in 2009 called Syed Ahmad Jamal: Pelukis, after an earlier 1975 Retrospective. He was also given a Historical Overview (1954-1994) exhibition at the defunct Nanyang Gallery of Art, Kuala Lumpur, in 1994-1995. He is made âNational Artistâ (1995), and in 1996, he was conferred the Panglima Jasa Negara, which carries the title âDatuk.â He was director of the Asian Cultural Centre in Universiti Malaya, KL (1979-1983), and the National Art Gallery (1981-1991). He taught at the Specialist Teachers Training Institute in Kuala Lumpur (1961-1972, becoming its principal in 1964. He was educated at the Chelsea School of Art (1951-1955), London University (1955-1956), and the Malay Teacherâs Training College in Kirkby (1958-1959). In the United States, he studied at the School of the Art Institute Chicago (1963-1964), University of Hawaii, Honolulu (1973-1974). He served in the Arts Council (1960-1972) and was deputy chairman from 1968; chairman of the Wednesday Art Group and the Angkatan Pelukis SeMalaysia in 1969, and president of the Malaysian Artists Association. He was guest artist of the Dewan Bahasa dan Pustaka (1991-1992), Ministry of Culture, Arts and Tourism (1995-1996) and the NAG (2008-2009). He wrote two major books namely Rupa Dan Jiwa (1992), which was translated into English, and the autobiographical Kunang-Kunang (1999). He did two monumental public sculptures, one in Laman Asean in the Lake Gardens, Kuala Lumpur, and the other, Lunar Peaks, which was torn down after he won a court case against the Kuala Lumpur City Hall for altering and desecrating his sculpture. He did the dÃ©cor and costumes design for the stage plays Desaria (1981), z:oo-m (1984), Tok Perak (1992), Puteri Gunung Ledang (1995) and Keris (2007). 60 x 45cm
Henry Butcher Art Auctioneers
Mar. 24, 2019
Syed Ahmad Jamal, Datuk (b. 1929 - d. 2011) Mimpi, 2007
Est: RM170,000 - RM300,000
Datuk Syed Ahmad Jamal (DSAJ) is known as a Symbolist and Colourist. This rare artwork was documented in the book Guru Of Colour: Syed Ahmad Jamal, from his exhibition in Zagreb, Croatia. He titles it Mimpi (Dreams) but it is one that might be created by his imagination, after some pet topics. It was out of synch with the time when he was creating the celebratory M50 and the keris, with all its connotations. If indeed, it came from a dream, we are looking at something deeply spiritual, related to his favourite interplay of Soul and Form and awash with serenity with the illusion of light, or an array of light beckoning, yet mysterious. Are the vertical beams some kind of portal into the beyond, of ambiguous space? Or the illusion of light represents Hope? Conjecture or fact, it is the intrinsic value of the work that compels and titillates. Usually, Datuk Syed Ahmad Jamal preferred a slanting / angular trajectory of lines, for greater strength and simulate rhythm, but these are few works using vertical phalanxes, also signifying hope â like well, Hope (1962), Pengembaran (1963), Ruang Hijau (2001) and Antara Bintang Dan Bumi (2004). In October 2018 Henry Butcher Art Auction, DSAJâs Ronggeng (1957) set a personal record of RM470,400. Datuk Syed Ahmad Jamal is well-known as an artist-sculptor, administrator, designer, curator and author. He was honoured with a Retrospective by the National Art Gallery (NAG) in 2009 called Syed Ahmad Jamal: Pelukis, after an earlier 1975 Retrospective. He was also given a Historical Overview (1954-1994) exhibition at the defunct Nanyang Gallery of Art, Kuala Lumpur, in 1994-1995. He is made âNational Artistâ (1995), and in 1996, he was conferred the Panglima Jasa Negara, which carries the title âDatuk.â He was director of the Asian Cultural Centre in Universiti Malaya, KL (1979-1983), and the National Art Gallery (1981-1991). He taught at the Specialist Teachers Training Institute in Kuala Lumpur (1961-1972, becoming its principal in 1964. He was educated at the Chelsea School of Art (1951-1955), London University (1955-1956), and the Malay Teacherâs Training College in Kirkby (1958-1959). In the United States, he studied at the School of the Art Institute Chicago (1963-1964), University of Hawaii, Honolulu (1973-1974). He served in the Arts Council (1960-1972) and was deputy chairman from 1968; chairman of the Wednesday Art Group and the Angkatan Pelukis SeMalaysia in 1969, and president of the Malaysian Artists Association. He was guest artist of the Dewan Bahasa dan Pustaka (1991-1992), Ministry of Culture, Arts and Tourism (1995-1996) and the NAG (2008-2009). He wrote two major books namely Rupa Dan Jiwa (1992), which was translated into English, and the autobiographical Kunang-Kunang (1999). He did two monumental public sculptures, one in Laman Asean in the Lake Gardens, Kuala Lumpur, and the other, Lunar Peaks, which was torn down after he won a court case against the Kuala Lumpur City Hall for altering and desecrating his sculpture. He did the dÃ©cor and costumes design for the stage plays Desaria (1981), z:oo-m (1984), Tok Perak (1992), Puteri Gunung Ledang (1995) and Keris (2007). 122 x 183cm
Henry Butcher Art Auctioneers
Feb. 24, 2019
SYED AHMAD JAMAL, DATUK : Study For Public Sculpture, 1999
Est: RM12,000 - RM18,000
Preceding the Study for Public Sculpture that was featured in KLAS Sale XXVII, this work is a pen on paper sketch by former national laureate, Datuk Syed Ahmad Jamal. A sketch provides insight to an artistâs perspective and their thought process. This artist has given much to the Malaysian art world in his teachings and services as board and committee member to various art-related organisations as well as being an art curator. In 1995 he was awarded the National Art Award which recognised him as a National Artist. He is probably one of the countryâs first abstract artists and he uses the non-figurative language to express his ideas about culture, politics and poetry.
KLAS Art Auction
Oct. 28, 2018
SYED AHMAD JAMAL, DATUK (b. 1929 - d. 2011) Gunung Ledang Series, 1981
Est: RM300,000 - RM500,000
An azan and a prayer in itself, a tauhid in symbolic Islamic cosmogony, with the hemispherical semi-elliptical roof and portal of white purity with an aura all round. Notice the etched triangle at the bottom of the portal, as if triggering aeons of triangles into space ascending inexorably to Heaven and seeming to float from a distance through a clever play of adumbrated bands of colours. The ascend starts from the bottom edges of the work, funneling towards the base of the portal, and thenceforth, horizontal bands across the portal are connected until it breaks into the stella triangles. This is Datuk Syed Ahmad Jamal at his sublimal best in Islamic shahada. Though in the vein of Tenaga and Energy Mat (1980), it moves into the realm of religiosity, signalling the majesty and munificence of God. Datuk Syed Ahmad Jamal was educated at the Birmingham School of Architecture (1950-1951) before he switched to Fine Art at the Chelsea School of Art (1951-1955) and the Institute of Education at the London University (1955-1956). He had a second stint at the Malay Teacher's Training College in Kirkby, Lancashire, near Liverpool, from 1958-1959, before his studies in the United States, starting with the School of the Art Institute Chicago (1963-1964), University of Hawaii, Honolulu (1973-1974), and a summer course at the Harvard University, Cambridge, Massachusetts, United States (1974). He taught at the Specialist Teachers Training Institute in Kuala Lumpur from 1961 to 1972, and was principal in 1964. He was a director of the Asian Cultural Centre in Universiti Malaya, KL (1979-1983), and the National Art Gallery (NAG, 1981-1991). The NAG honoured him with a Retrospective in 1975, and another Retrospective titled Syed Ahmad Jamal: Pelukis (2009). Art Expo Malaysia gave a tribute show to him in 2008. His other notable survey exhibition titled, Syed Ahmad Jamal: Historical Overview 1954-1994, was held at the Nanyang Gallery of Art, Kuala Lumpur, from 1994-1995. He was the only visual artist so far to be awarded the National Artist Award, in 1995, and in 1996, he was conferred the Panglima Jasa Negara, which carries the title â€˜Datuk'. He was also honoured with country awards from India (1962), the United States (1963-1964), France (1970), and Australia (1984). His talents were so multi-faceted that he was known also for his writing (books and catalogues), and had been a logo / costume designer, cartoonist, administrator, educator and curator. He was also in the Arts Council from 1960 to 1972 serving as deputy chairman from 1968; chairman of the Wednesday Art Group and the Angkatan Pelukis SeMalaysia in 1969, and president of the Malaysian Artists Association. He was guest artist of the Dewan Bahasa dan Pustaka (1991-1992), Ministry of Culture, Arts and Tourism (1995-1996) and the NAG (2008-2009). He wrote two major books namely Rupa Dan Jiwa (1992), which was translated into English, and the autobiographical Kunang-Kunang (1999). He did two monumental public sculptures, one in Laman Asean in the Lake Gardens, Kuala Lumpur, and the other, Lunar Peaks, which was torn down after he won a court case against the Kuala Lumpur City Hall for altering and desecrating his sculpture. He did the dÃ©cor and costumes design for the stage plays Desaria (1981), z:oo-m (1984), Tok Perak (1992), Puteri Gunung Ledang (1995) and Keris (2007). His first solo was at the British Council, Kuala Lumpur, in 1960. He won 1st Prize for a mural for Bank Negara (1970), 2nd Prize the Mother & Child competition, 1st Prize in the Federation Art Competition (1962) and 1st Prize ink drawing in the Johor Open in 1950.
Henry Butcher Art Auctioneers
Oct. 28, 2018
SYED AHMAD JAMAL, DATUK (b. 1929 - d. 2011) Ronggeng, 1957
Est: RM400,000 - RM600,000
This is, without doubt, the most significant early work by Datuk Syed Ahmad Jamal, to have come into the auction market, and bristles with the pedigree of his great works of the period such as Pohon Nipah, Mandi Laut (both 1957), Chairil Anwar (1958) and The Bait (1959) â€” all in institutional collections. It ties with Peter Harris' Modern Joget (1959) in the National Art Gallery collection, but which is in much brighter hues. In his treatment of the human figure, Syed Ahmad Jamal focuses on the female, thereby continuing the figuration ideology of easel painting practices consolidated in Chelsea. He compared two 1957 works featuring the traditional dances, Joget and Ronggeng, noting the female being more dominant, and commented: â€œIn Ronggengâ€¦ the figures are metamorphosed and appear as swirling, interlocking entities; they are absorbed in one another, as if enveloped in consuming ecstasy. The figure-ground relationship is dynamic; the aim is not so much to measure and fix the relationship in carefully scaled, spatial terms, but to aim at an integrative, organic fusion whereby the figures are unified with their pictorial environment in fluid relationships.â€ The ronggeng can be very exuberant, erotic even, and the female dancers were given â€˜tips' for accompanying the male clients in a dance or two. It's 1957, anyway, the celebration of Independence. Let's dance! It was a time when Syed Ahmad Jamal (later Datuk) was doing more human figures, from 1955 to 1958, and in oil on board. Joget is in the Collection of Singapore Art Museum. Datuk Syed Ahmad Jamal was educated at the Birmingham School of Architecture (1950-1951) before he switched to Fine Art at the Chelsea School of Art (1951-1955) and the Institute of Education at the London University (1955-1956). He had a second stint at the Malay Teacher's Training College in Kirkby, Lancashire, near Liverpool, from 1958-1959, before his studies in the United States, starting with the School of the Art Institute Chicago (1963-1964), University of Hawaii, Honolulu (1973-1974), and a summer course at the Harvard University, Cambridge, Massachusetts, United States (1974). He taught at the Specialist Teachers Training Institute in Kuala Lumpur from 1961 to 1972, and was principal in 1964. He was a director of the Asian Cultural Centre in Universiti Malaya, KL (1979-1983), and the National Art Gallery (NAG, 1981-1991). The NAG honoured him with a Retrospective in 1975, and another Retrospective titled Syed Ahmad Jamal: Pelukis (2009). His other notable survey exhibition titled, Syed Ahmad Jamal: Historical Overview 1954-1994, was held at the Nanyang Gallery of Art, Kuala Lumpur, from 1994-1995. He was the only visual artist so far to be awarded the National Artist Award, in 1995, and in 1996, he was conferred the Panglima Jasa Negara, which carries the title â€˜Datuk'. He was also honoured with country awards from India (1962), the United States (1963-1964), France (1970), and Australia (1984). His talents were so multi-faceted that he was known also for his writing (books and catalogues), and had been a logo / costume designer, cartoonist, administrator, educator and curator. He was also in the Arts Council from 1960 to 1972 serving as deputy chairman from 1968; chairman of the Wednesday Art Group and the Angkatan Pelukis SeMalaysia in 1969, and president of the Malaysian Artists Association. He was guest artist of the Dewan Bahasa dan Pustaka (1991-1992), Ministry of Culture, Arts and Tourism (1995-1996) and the NAG (2008-2009). He wrote two major books namely Rupa Dan Jiwa (1992), which was translated into English, and the autobiographical Kunang-Kunang (1999). He did two monumental public sculptures, one in Laman Asean in the Lake Gardens, Kuala Lumpur, and the other, Lunar Peaks, which was torn down after he won a court case against the Kuala Lumpur City Hall for altering and desecrating his sculpture. He did the dÃ©cor and costumes design for the stage plays Desaria (1981), z:oo-m (1984), Tok Perak (1992), Puteri Gunung Ledang (1995) and Keris (2007). His first solo was at the British Council, Kuala Lumpur, in 1960. He won 1st Prize for a mural for Bank Negara (1970), 2nd Prize the Mother & Child competition, 1st Prize in the Federation Art Competition (1962) and 1st Prize ink drawing in the Johor Open in 1950. REFERENCE Syed Ahmad Jamal: Pelukis, National Art Gallery, Kuala Lumpur, 2009
Henry Butcher Art Auctioneers
Jan. 28, 2018
Syed Ahmad Jamal, Datuk (B. Johor, Malaysia, 1929-2011) Study for Sculpture, 1999
Est: RM10,000 - RM25,000
Syed Ahmad Jamal, Datu,k Study for Sculpture, 1999 Mixed media on paper 28.5 x 40 cm
KLAS Art Auction
Oct. 15, 2017
Syed Ahmad Jamal, Datuk (B. Johor, Malaysia, 1929-2011) Nur Tenaga, 2010
Est: RM350,000 - RM600,000
Syed Ahmad Jamal, Datuk Nur Tenaga, 2010 Acrylic on canvas 153 x 152 cm
KLAS Art Auction
Jul. 30, 2017
Syed Ahmad Jamal, Datuk (B. Johor, Malaysia, 1929 - 2011) A Study of Banjaran Ledang, 1981
Est: RM3,800 - RM8,000
Syed Ahmad Jamal, Datuk A Study of Banjaran Ledang, 1981 Mixed media on paper 19 x 26 cm
KLAS Art Auction
May. 14, 2017
Syed Ahmad Jamal, Datuk (B. Johor, 1929 - 2011) Study for Public Sculpture, 1999
Est: RM8,000 - RM16,000
Syed Ahmad Jamal, Datuk Study for Public Sculpture, 1999 Ink and colour on paper 28 x 40cm
KLAS Art Auction
Apr. 23, 2017
SYED AHMAD JAMAL, DATUK (b. 1929 - d. 2011) UNTITLED, 1958, Oil on board
Est: RM75,000 - RM135,000
National Laureate Datuk Syed Ahmad Jamal (SAJ) returned to England for his second art stint from 1958 to 1959. SAJ painted this Malay woman with the coiffeured sanggul hair, and the baju kurung showing off an hour-glass figure, at the Malay Teacher’s Training College in Kirkby, Lancashire, near Liverpool. He painted this mysterious Malay woman looking out from the verandah, her right hand tightly holding the curtain, probably in anger, while holding a gossamer scarf over her body. It ranks with the best by SAJ during this halcyon period: Pemudi Dalam Hujan; Ronggeng; Pohon Nipah; Mandi Laut; Sungai Batu Pahat; Joget (all 1957); and the standouts in 1958 – Hujan Panas, Chairil Anwar, Sawah Padi. Like Untitled, all the three other 1958 works were oil on board. It was a time when SAJ was doing more human figures, from 1955-1958, but sans the Dutch East Indies formalism propagated by Dato’ Hoessein Enas, who headed the Angkatan Pelukis Semananjung (later SeMalaysia). His first stint in England was longer, some seven years: Birmingham School of Architecture (1950-1951), Chelsea School of Art (1951-1955) and the Institute of Education at the London University (1955-1956). His next art studies were in the USA, starting with the School of the Art Institute Chicago (1963-1964), University of Hawaii, Honolulu (1973-1974), and a summer course at the Harvard University, Cambridge, Massachusetts, United States (1974). His works sold into the six-digits for many times at Henry Butcher art auctions, e.g. RM187,000 (June 2011), RM170,500 (May 2012), RM179,200 (November 2014).SAJ taught at the Specialist Teachers Training Institute in Kuala Lumpur from 1961 to 1972, becoming its principal in 1964. He was a director of the Asian Cultural Centre in Universiti Malaya, KL (1979-1982), and the National Art Gallery (NAG, 1983-1991). The NAG honoured him with a Retrospective in 1975, and another major Retrospective titled Syed Ahmad Jamal: Pelukis (2009). His other notable survey exhibition titled Syed Ahmad Jamal: Historical Overview 1954-1994, was held at the Nanyang Gallery of Art, KL, from 1994-1995. He was the only visual artist so far to be awarded the National Artist Award, in 1995, and in 1996, he was conferred the Panglima Jasa Negara, which carries the title ‘Datuk.’ He was also honoured with country awards from India (1962), the USA (1963-1964), France (1970), and Australia (1984). His talents were so multi-faceted that he was known also for his writing (books and catalogues), and had been a logo/costume designer, cartoonist, administrator, educator and curator. He was also in the Arts Council from 1960 to 1972 serving as deputy chairman from 1968; chairman of the Wednesday Art Group and the Angkatan Pelukis SeMalaysia in 1969, and president of the Malaysian Artists Association.He was guest artist of the Dewan Bahasa dan Pustaka (1991-1992), Ministry of Culture, Arts and Tourism (1995-1996) and the NAG (2008-2009). He wrote two major books namely Rupa Dan Jiwa (1992) and the autobiographical Kunang-Kunang (1999). He did two monumental public sculptures, one in Laman Asean in the Lake Gardens, KL, and the other, Lunar Peaks, which was torn down last year. He did the décor and costumes design for the stage plays Desaria (1981), z:oo-m (1984), Tok Perak (1992), Puteri Gunung Ledang (1995) and Keris (2007). His notable solos included: Chromastic Passage (Singapore, 1994), Kunang-Kunang (Dewan Bahasa dan Pustaka, KL, 2000), Antara Langit Dan Bumi (Galeri Petronas, KL, 2000), On And Off King’s Road (Galeri Petronas, 2006). His first solo was at the British Council, Kuala Lumpur, in 1960. He won 1st Prize for a mural for Bank Negara (1970), 2nd Prize the Mother & Child competition, 1st Prize in the Federation Art Competition (1962) and 1st Prize ink drawing in the Johor Open in 1950.
Henry Butcher Art Auctioneers
Mar. 12, 2017
Syed Ahmad Jamal, Datuk (B. Johor, 1929-2011) Sketch "set untok KERIS", 2007
Est: RM6,000 - RM12,000
Syed Ahmad Jamal, Datuk Sketch "set untok KERIS", 2007 Mixed media on paper 13.5 x 26 cm
KLAS Art Auction
Nov. 06, 2016
SYED AHMAD JAMAL, DATUK (b. 1950 - d. 2011) Perchobaan, 1965, Oil on canvas
Est: RM130,000 - RM180,000
The ambivalent response to Datuk Syed Ahmad Jamal’s (DSAJ) work stems from some inside information about a sensitive time in the National Laureate’s domestic life, when his marriage was on the rocks, when he had so much to cheer for – his then coming Sept 19 birthday, his third solo exhibition, and his promotion as acting principal of the Specialist Teachers Training Institute (STTI). To the nebulous figure in the oval shape truncated at the top, like an ovum, is ‘it’ dancing more for forgetfulness than celebration, or skidding? We’ll never know now.DSAJ enrolled at the Birmingham School of Architecture but after a year, switched to Chelsea School of Art in London (1951-55). He received a Fulbright scholarship to study Sculpture at the Chicago Institute of Art (1963-64). In 1974, he received his Masters of Art History from the University of Honolulu, Hawaii.His top-notched honours include the Asean Cultural Award (1987), Anugerah Seni Negara (1995). He was director of the National Art Gallery (1983-91) and the Asian Art Museum (1979-83), and principal of the Specialist Teachers Training Institute (1964-72, but there since 1961).On a sad note, his Lunar Peaks monumental sculpture in Kuala Lumpur was wilfully demolished by the KL City Hall authorities, to much public uproar, recently.
Henry Butcher Art Auctioneers
Apr. 24, 2016
SYED AHMAD JAMAL, DATUK (B. Johor, 1929 - 2011) 'Sg Cincin'
Est: RM3,500 - RM5,000
Signed, titled and dated on bottom of paper
KLAS Art Auction
Nov. 09, 2014
SYED AHMAD JAMAL, DATUK (b. 1929 - d. 2011), Berenang, 1965, oil on canvas
Est: RM160,000 - RM250,000
SYED AHMAD JAMAL, DATUK b. Johor, 1929 - d. Kuala Lumpur, 2011 BERENANG, 1965 Signed and dated 'A '65' (lower right) Oil on canvas 123cm x 77cm "Art is the essence of life. The observation o into the inner self and later expressed to bef sneaetnu rbey i ss oacbiseotyrb aeds the image of the human soul."- Datuk Syed Ahmad Jamal Celebrated for his immensely invaluable contribution to the development of Malaysian art that spanned over five decades, the late Datuk Syed Ahmad Jamal produced art that bears profound personal, social and moral significance in various forms and medium for the masses with his later works lodged in spiritual and religious ethos demonstrating balance and harmony on canvas. From figurative and caricature drawings; abstract paintings; sculptures; textile art; murals; stage and poster designs to writings, the all-encompassing artist, cultural observer and educator has been truly missed by the art community since his passing three years ago. Henry Butcher Art Auctioneers (HBArt) commemorated the life of this great artist in May 2012, dedicating a special tribute section which featured four works on paper and an oil painting titled Malam Marang (2001), that turned out to be one of the last canvas pieces appearing at HBArt auction besides Gunung Ledang series (Cherryvale) - the earliest canvas work dated 1985 - which was featured in HBArt June 2011 auction, up till now. This phenomenon signifies the exclusivity and scarcity of Datuk Syed Ahmad Jamal's works in the market which ultimately adds valuable importance to every attainable piece in any medium particularly on canvas. On offer here is an outstanding oil painting entitled Berenang (Swimming) profoundly executed in 1965, a period that represents the creation of the artist's most personal biographical works. In an essay by academician Hasnul J. Saidon titled 55 Years of Collecting Syed Ahmad Jamal's Works - published in a monograph in conjunction with a seminal exhibition titled Syed Ahmad Jamal: PELUKIS and in celebration of the artist's 80th birthday at the National Visual Arts Gallery, Kuala Lumpur in 2009 - the author pointed out that this historical piece, Berenang (Swimming) dated 1965 alongside other significant works namely Relationship (1964), Lost (1965)and Figure (1965) correspond with a life episode that is especially intimate following events of personal obstacles faced by the late Datuk Syed Ahmad Jamal. Interestingly, these evocative expressions belong to the collection of private individuals, suggesting its cherished and exclusive provenance. This painting's coarse yet fluid surface illustrated in cool and warm palette of dominant blue with yellow and red suggests a tranquil state of mind amidst an act of resistance - an epiphany to the artist's inner emotions expressed through melancholic but nevertheless vibrant gestures akin to other works produced in the same year namely 19.9.65 - a painting that marks the artist's birthday - and Figure depicting a lone, anonymous human form submerged in a dual-columned blueyellow and red segments emulating water and/or earth that perhaps symbolises a plunge into the abyss. A similar meaning is conveyed here by adopting the act of swimming as a life metaphor emanating a sense of solemnity for the year 1965 signifies the bitter end of his first marriage. Datuk Syed Ahmad Jamal had incorporated the use of incongruity in his early works through the juxtaposition of warm and cool hues, light and dark since Self-Portrait. Executed in 1955 prior to leaving Chelsea to return home, the self-depiction is known to be his first endeavour illustrating himself in a representational manner using contradictory colour schemes. Datuk Syed Ahmad Jamal was granted a scholarship from Sultan Ibrahim Foundation to study architecture at the Birmingham School of Architecture, United Kingdom (1950 - 1951) but decided to change course and was later enrolled to the Chelsea School of Art, London to study Fine Art (1951 - 1955). He then attended the Institute of Education at London University from 1955 to 1956. Upon returning home, he assumed his role as an art teacher at Batu Pahat High School in September 1956. From 1958 to 1959, he became a lecturer at the Day Teacher's College at the Malay Teachers' College in Kirkby, Lancashire, United Kingdom. In 1963, he was appointed Head of the Federal Teachers' College in Kota Bahru, Kelantan an honour he turned down due to his further education at the School of the Art Institute in Chicago, United States of America (1963 - 1964). He then resumed his role as Head of the Art Department at the Special Teachers' College and became Principal of the College (1964 - 1973). Between 1973 and 1974, he attended a course at the University of Hawaii in Honolulu, USA. He held various directorial positions namely Director of Cultural Centre at Universiti Malaya (1979 - 1983) and Director of National Art Gallery Malaysia (1983 - 1991). He was a guest writer at Dewan Bahasa dan Pustaka from 1991 to 1994 where he wrote two major books,Rupa dan Jiwa (1992) which was translated into English titled Soul and Form and an autobiography named Kunang-kunang which was launched in 1999. In 1995, he was awarded with the nation's most prestigious cultural award, the National Arts Award (Anugerah Seniman Utama) and remains to be the only visual artist to hold the title. The following year, he was conferred the Panglima Jasa Negara which carries the title "Datuk" by the Yang di-Pertuan Agong for his contributions in art. He had participated in numerous solo and group exhibitions locally and internationally as well as representing the nation in global forums, symposiums and conferences relating to arts and culture. REFERENCE Syed Ahmad Jamal: Pelukis, 55 Years of Collecting Syed Ahmad Jamal's Works, Hasnol J. Saidon, page 364, National Art Gallery, Kuala Lumpur, 2009.
Henry Butcher Art Auctioneers
Nov. 09, 2014
SYED AHMAD JAMAL, DATUK (b. 1929 - d. 2011), Set Untuk Keris II, 2007, mixed media on paper
Est: RM7,000 - RM10,000
SYED AHMAD JAMAL, DATUK b. Johor, 1929 - d. Kuala Lumpur, 2011 SET UNTUK KERIS II, 2007 Signed and dated 'A 07' (lower right), Inscribed 'set untuk 'KERIS'' (lower left) Mixed media on paper 18cm x 27cm Illustrated on this sketch for a theater set design for Keris (2007) directed by National Laureate Datuk Syed Alwi Syed Hassan is a jawi script that reads Bakaba ( بكب ), which means storytelling or the Minangkabau oral literary performance. In the context of Keris, which tells a fictional tale of a village head named Waling Amri who finds a mystical rock and crafts it into a keris that is then transformed into his daughter's alter ego, Keris is a folklore story of traditional values and supernatural being. REFERENCE Syed Ahmad Jamal: Pelukis, National Art Gallery, Kuala Lumpur, 2009.
Henry Butcher Art Auctioneers
Nov. 09, 2014
SYED AHMAD JAMAL, DATUK (b. 1929 - d. 2011), Set Untuk Keris I, 2007, mixed media on paper
Est: RM7,000 - RM10,000
SYED AHMAD JAMAL, DATUK b. Johor, 1929 - d. Kuala Lumpur, 2011 SET UNTUK KERIS I, 2007 Signed and dated 'A 07' (lower right), Inscribed 'set untuk 'KERIS'' (lower left) Mixed media on paper 18cm x 27cm An all-encompassing artist, art educator, writer and cultural observer, Datuk Syed Ahmad Jamal was also a product designer; illustrator for various book covers, cards and posters; graphic designer who had created logos for National Art Gallery, Kuala Lumpur and Malaysian Artists Association; and theatre set designer. On offer here is a sketch by the late artist who was an artistic director for a theatre set titled Keris directed by National Laureate Datuk Syed Alwi Syed Hassan (1930 - 2008) which was held at Auditorium Dewan Bahasa dan Pustaka, Kuala Lumpur in 2007. The highly acclaimed musical was not the first theatre set designed by Datuk Syed Ahmad Jamal as he had been working closely with Datuk Syed Alwi Syed Hassan since the productions of Lela Mayang (1968), Desaria (1978) andZ.OO-M1984 (1984). REFERENCE Syed Ahmad Jamal: Pelukis, National Art Gallery, Kuala Lumpur, 2009.
Henry Butcher Art Auctioneers