Yusof Ghani was inspired in his Topeng (Masks) series by the ceremonial and curing rituals of masks worn by the Kayan and the Kenyah tribes, which help protect against evil spirits. In 1992, he began to develop the Topeng series, exploring the possible themes in his distinct visual language. A rare and early work from the series, Topeng 1 consists of 9 pieces arranged into three rows. The artist's exploration and mastery of forms and gestures is evident, as he synthesised the image of the mask with abstraction. He imbues the indigenous masks with strength and vivacity applied with rapid movements of the brush, portraying their force and power. Yusof Ghani started out doing Art-related jobs for 10 years without formal education. He was artist-illustrator at the Agriculture Ministry (1967), instructor in the Fisheries Institute, Penang (1971) and a graphic artist at Radio-Television Malaysia (1977). Then he got a scholarship to study for his BFA at the George Mason University in the United States (1981), and MFA at the Catholic University in Washington, USA (1983). On his return, he lectured at the Universiti ITM with the rank of Associate Professor, but unleashed some of the most memorable art series: Tari, Topeng, Wayang, Hijau, Segerak, Biring, Wajah, Ombak and Kuda. He singlehandedly organised the Shah Alam Biennale involving artists from 15 countries in 2016. Yusof Ghani made his London foray with an exhibition, Segerak VI – Transcendent Figures, at the Asia House in early April 2017. Henry Butcher Art Auctioneers with partners Galeri Prima and Pinkguy Gallery organised Segerak VIII: Utopia, the final edition of Segerak series, in August 2019. The exhibition received good responses.