Father of Malaysian Portraiture - Mohamed Hoessein Enas

Kelantanese fishermen landing their catch,
a watercolour by Hoessein Enas

Hoessein Enas, Father of
Malaysian Portraiture

Mohamed Hoessein Enas (1924-1995) came to Malaya from Bogor, Java in 1947. Largely self-taught, Hoessein painted in the European style of realist portraiture. He painted mostly portraits of royalty and prominent people of his time. he was instrumental in setting up the Majlis Kesenian Melayu (which later became the Angkatan Pelukis Semenanjung) in 1956. Hoessein Enas was appointed Royal Portrait Painter to then Sultan of Selangor in 1990.

A sketch by Hoessein Enas,
 a traditional fishing boat. 

Although well known for his works in oils and pastel, lovers of Hoessein's works can enjoy some of his watercolour works and sketches currently on display at the Ilham Gallery in Jalan Binjai, Kuala Lumpur.

The Hoessein Enas Exhibition is part of the newly-opened gallery’s inaugural show called Picturing The Nation. About 200 works by Hoessein Enas are on display here, comprising about 30 paintings and the remaining sketches. For watercolour lovers, check of the works by the Father of Malaysian Portait Painting.

Ilham Gallery is at Level 3 & 5, Ilham Tower in Jalan Binjai, Kuala LUmpur. Opening hours are Tuesday to Saturday (11am–7pm) and Sundays (11am–5pm)
The gallery is closed on Mondays. Admission is free.

Ploughing the land, a sketch of a padi farmer with his buffaloes tilling the land