This close-cropped “portrait” captures the beauty and character of its subject not through the features of the person posing for it, whose face is not shown, but in the costume and jewellery they are wearing. In European formal portraiture in centuries past, rich fabrics and trimmings, gemstones and settings, relayed not only the social standing of subjects but also a material cultural history involving skill, tradition, technology and natural resources from around the world, telling stories of trade and empire.
The painting by Sabah-based artist Sylvernie Engelbert, "The Beauty of Sukob Kopio", invites us to admire and wonder at the grace and splendour of a rich material culture developed within our own borders, expressed in the traditional clothing of the Dusun Tuaran community. The artist uses skilled, patient brushwork to bring out the qualities of fine beadwork: “Each bead, meticulously placed in a mesmerizing pattern, carries with it the weight of tradition, history, and unwavering devotion.”
An eye for composition highlights the compelling design of each element of the costume, brought together to produce a richly layered effect. It makes us want to find out more about the significance of the motifs used, and the cultural history and influences that have fed into their styling. Where do each of the various, coloured beads strung around the wearer’s neck come from, and what stories can they tell?