The mask embodies the preservation of ethnic traditions while also serving as a metaphor for the human condition. Much like a mask, an individual's outward appearance is carefully presented to the world. Topeng (Mask) series by Dato' Yusof Ghani was conceived after an inspirational trip to Sarawak in 1988 and 1991 where he was captivated by the mask rituals of the Kenyah and Kayan groups. It reflects the artist's exploration of local themes and visual forms, expressed through emotive lines and textures. Lyrical curves and swirling brushstrokes in earthy tones imbue the composition with a palpable sense of movement.