SHAH ALAM: Selangor's Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah honoured the unveiling of Cenderawasih, the latest series by renowned Malaysian artist Yusof Ghani.
The occasion marked another milestone in Yusof’s illustrious four-decade career as a painter, sculptor, writer, professor, and curator.
"It is a great honour to have Tuanku officiate this new series," Yusof said in his speech at the Tapak Gallery on Saturday (June 28).
"I encountered the majestic Cenderawasih, or the Bird-of-Paradise, during a visit to Papua New Guinea nearly a decade ago.
"Amidst the darkness of the forest and the people, the radiant bird appeared like a dream. Its colour, its energy, its sheer beauty left a lasting impression on me," he added.
Yusof recounted being "almost hypnotised" by the bird’s presence, an experience that lingered long after he returned to Malaysia.
That moment of awe, he explained, eventually evolved into Cenderawasih — a body of work that foregrounds aesthetic exploration above all.
"In this series, I prioritised beauty, because if ever a subject deserved such reverence, it is the Cenderawasih. In my use of colour, I sought to create a visual symphony—an expression of the bird’s splendour and spiritual resonance," he said.
Titled Cenderawasih: Energy and Emotion, the series showcases Yusof’s masterful use of oil and charcoal on canvas, blending layered colours and tonal contrasts to capture the bird’s vibrant spirit and emotional depth.
