Page 103 - The Guide To Sarawak

THE GUIDE TO SARAWAK
101
Contemporary Art
Sarawak is fortunate
to possess an amazing treasure trove of artists working in a variety of media. Due to space constraints the editors have selected and listed artists who represent a broad spectrum of media and artistic styles.
Ramsay Ong belongs to a well-known artistic family descended from Sarawak’s earliest Chinese settlers, and reflects that proud heritage in his work. He has been painting for over 40 years and has been highly acclaimed by critics and connoisseurs. He first achieved fame as a batik painter, winning numerous awards, and his art is exhibited in many famous museums worldwide. Ramsay has also taken on the challenge to explore
Ramsay Ong, widely acclaimed for his use of barks, leaves and other natural materials.
Batik painter Michael Lim poses with one of his signature floral works.
an entirely new medium - bark cloth derived from the tekalong tree (Artocarpus spp.). He is the most prominent artist currently working in this unique collage format.
Michael Lim Tiang Ek is
Michael Lim’s other signature motif – Rhinoceros Hornbills.
one of Sarawak’s foremost artists and has been creating wonderful Batik images - much sought
after by private collectors and institutions - since the 1960’s. He has travelled extensively to exhibit his works and exchange ideas and inspiration with fellow artists the world over. Michael derives inspiration from the majestic forests
of Borneo and the rich cultural heritage of Sarawak. His subjects include
his signature hornbills, orchids and jungle life as well as figurative works. His latest works use only natural dyes, reflecting
his love and concern for the environment. He has also experimented with a technique called Batikat, a unique blend of batik over ikat textiles.