Inspired by a trip to Sarawak in 1991, Yusof Ghani began to develop a series of work based on the theme of Topeng (Mask). The usage of masks is a common practice found in ancient rituals and ceremonies throughout the world. “Masks in various forms (sacred, practical, or playful) have played a crucial historical role in the development of understandings about "what it means to be human", because they permit the imaginative experience of "what it is like" to be transformed into a different identity (or to affirm an existing social or spiritual identity).” Untang Anting presents a powerful composition varying between abstraction and representation. The image is expressed with intense jagged lines rendered with vivacity, moving swiftly across the entire surface with confidence. The pictorial placement consists of fragmented and compressed masks interlocked into place, unified by elegant colours densely composed of alizarin crimson, ochre, white and soft beige. Each mask is rendered with distinctive facial attributes, revealing salient features such as the eyes, nose and mouth. The artist explores the formal and expressive iconography of masks, gaining insight to the underlying symbolic contents of native communities, and contextualise them in a contemporary context in relation to modern society. Yusof Ghani was awarded a scholarship to study at George Mason University, USA. He graduated with a BFA (Graphic Art) in 1981 and pursued his MFA (Fine Art) at Catholic University in Washington in 1983. Before his American studies, he had worked as an artist-illustrator (Agriculture Ministry, 1967), an instructor (Fisheries Institute, Penang, 1971) and a graphic artist (RTM, 1977). On his return, he lectured at the Universiti MARA Institute of Technology. In 2014, he unveiled a new body of work named Ombak which was showcased alongside previous series at Sasana Kijang, Kuala Lumpur. Most recently, his artworks was displayed at an exhibition titled Shared Passion (2015) showcasing his old and new works from his personal collection alongside Datuk Seri Kalimullah Hassan’s collection.