Raphael is known for his mesmerizing landscapes celebrating the rich terrestrial biodiversity of local rainforests. In order to capture the poetic quality of nature, Raphael used a variation of dense lines, producing a translucent and vibrant effect. The poetic composition suggests the wide diversity of plants and wildlife that form part of our natural heritage.
From his secluded studio in Bau, Sarawak, Raphael Scott Ahbeng painted on a variety of subjects and styles, with his métier being abstract. Given his first solo in 1954, he took up Art and Photography course at the Bath Academy of Fine Art in England (1964-1967). He also took up Drama in London in 1973 under a Sarawak Government scholarship. His awards include 1st Prize in the Sarawak Shell Open (1959, 1982, 1983), and 3rd Prize in the Natural Malaysia art competition in Kuala Lumpur in 1991. A Bidayuh, RSA, as he is sometimes known, is an artist (professional since 1990), a teacher, a photographer, a newspaper cartoonist and a radio producer. His solo exhibition Legend: A Borneo Artist at PINKGUY Gallery, showcases the complete oeuvre of Raphael’s 60 years of work.