Late Raphael Scott Ahbeng

Summary

Born in 1939 in the Bau district of Sarawak, Raphael Scott Ahbeng was one of the first Borneo artists to gain recognition for his art that embraces abstraction. Raphael's first attempt to paint was at age 9, and he continued to paint even after a hand operation.

Raphael painted for over 60 years and he went from strength to strength, always attempting to do better, be a better painter and does it with great passion and determination. A multifaceted character with many talents he was a teacher of the Arts and English language, a cartoonist and even a radio producer, but his greatest ambition was always to be an artist. To date, he remained the most successful and renowned artist from Borneo, Malaysia with collections at Petronas Gallery, the National Art Gallery Malaysia and more.

Raphael had an exceptionally strong signature, utilising powerful and dynamic brushstrokes, as well as vibrant and intense colour schemes. Awarded a scholarship to Bath Academy of Art in England in 1964, he travelled extensively through France, Spain, Italy and Germany. It was in these travels that Raphael had the great opportunity to experience first hand the works of great European masters. His art was the sum of all his experiences, in Europe and in his time working in drama and radio. Innovative and holding universal appeal, it was no wonder that his works travelled the globe to be part of international collections.

Despite these influences and Raphael's distinct modern international feel, at the heart of all his paintings was a strong sense of self, culture, heritage. A joyful homey feeling radiate from his boards and canvases which was conveyed through striking colours and form, that mirrored the monumental and boundless landscapes that make up Sarawak his home. His artworks revealed his own unique and bold character, predominantly through the vehicle of captivating abstract landscapes.

Raphael passed away on 24 November 2019, leaving a void in the artistic community.