JALAINI ABU HASSAN (b. Malaysia 1963)

The Painter's Daughter sings of the wonder of longing and belonging and celebrates the humble life of an artist. The sweet little girl, the painter's daughter, is portrayed in a seasoned dress instead of a glimmering outfit that suggests the modesty and humility of the artist's life. Smiling contentedly, the painter's loving daughter dominates the landscape of an old rubber estate where she, as well as the artist, had been brought up. The domesticated animals and a basket of mandarins which symbolises abundant prosperity ultimately intensifies the mood of reminiscence while the dramatic blue sky contrasted with the dry landscape brings back a sense of realism in an otherwise idyllic and utopian world. Intepreted as a smoothing monologue whilst being deeply personable, the work exudes a sense of warmth which is both embracing and believable.