Khalil Ibrahim, Fisherman Series, 1988

Ink on card
39 cm x 42.5 cm (visible), 56.5 x 60.5 cm x 4 cm (framed)
Condition: Good, with slight fading along the bottom edge from previous framing. The work has been reframed since.

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Khalil Ibrahim's (Malaysian, 1934-2018) was a Malaysian artist best known for his depictions of East Coast life, landscapes and village scenes. Born in Kelantan, he studied at St Martin’s School of Art in London and later at the School of Art in Swansea, Wales. His exposure to both local traditions and modern Western art movements shaped a visual language that became closely associated with modern Malaysian art.

Working across batik, watercolour, pastel and oil, Khalil developed a style recognised for its simplified forms, rhythmic compositions and sensitive use of colour. His works frequently portrayed fishermen, rural communities and coastal environments, capturing the atmosphere and everyday life of the Malaysian East Coast with warmth and familiarity. Over the course of his career, he exhibited widely and became regarded as one of Malaysia’s most significant modern artists.

Acquired from Galeri Citra Kuala Lumpur in 1989.

(Photographed in April 2026)