Find Description on Abdullah Ariff Biography

Abdullah Ariff (1904-62), is considered one of the pioneers of Malaysian watercolour painting, and left behind a legacy of highly regarded watercolour art. His style reflected the 'Penang Impressionist' movement, and blended the styles of the colonial European influence with his self-study and his life in Malaysia. Of his paintings he is known for his landscapes, which feature typical rural or natural scenes such as boats, ox-carts, huts, forests and rivers. In these scenes he stands out from the work of other artists such as Yong Mun Sen in the use of more 'European' construction, and the extensive detail within his paintings. Some of his work also ventured into the abstract with more vivid depictions of animals.

Ariff was born in Penang in 1904 to a Peranakan Jawi family of Turkish descent. In Penang he entered into a world where the existing art circles were not open to Asians. He studied at the Anglo-Chinese school between 1913 and 1925, during which time he developed his art skills, though he is often mentioned to be self taught. After passing his Senior year he was then hired by the school as an art teacher and proceeded to teach for six further years. This position, and his initial exhibitions of his work, opened the door for him to enter the Penang Impressionist Society between 1932 and 1941, which was populated exclusively by European expatriates. This society was active from the turn of the century to the second world war, which marked the end of the 'Penang Impressionist' movement. He spent two years in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia between 1945 and 1947 as a cartoonist for The Straits Echo, before returning to Penang. Here he was active in politics, serving on the UNMO committee and later serving as a member of the city council and even having a road named in his honour.

By 1954 Abdullah Ariff was receving increasing exposure and acclaim for his work. He held shows in the United States, in both North Carolina and New York. A year later he exhibited at the galleries of the Royal Society of British Artists as part of the “United Society of Artists” group exhibition, and was elected to Fellowship of the Royal Society of Art. In 1956 he was invited to participate in 'Le Salon' of the Society of French Artists. One of his paintings was presented to Tunku Abdul Rahman, a prominent politician and Chief Minister of the Federation of Malaya (1955-1957). His legacy is established as one of the pioneers of Malaysian watercolour, alongside the Malaysian artist Yong Mun Sen. As recorded by one of his former students, Tan Lye Hoe, his philisophy was as is quoted “Art knows no barriers”.

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