Matta, Roberto. (1911–2002)
Untilted (figure) - Original Sketch delivered as "my autograph"
Original unsigned sketch of a figure with open mouth and crossed fingers, inscribed in black felt tip "Dear Fleming Hedborg, here…my autograph." Graphite and colored pencil on notebook paper. 5.75 x 8.25 inches (14.6 x 21 cm.), in fine condition.The Chilean-born artist known for his unique blending of Surrealism with Abstract Expressionism once stated that “I am interested only in the unknown and I work for my own astonishment.” Like his friend Arshile Gorky, Matta’s otherworldly works explored the unconscious through methods of Surrealist automatism. He left Chile for Paris to work in the studio of Le Corbusier and while in Europe, he travelled to Madrid where he was introduced to Salvador Dalí. It was Dalí who encouraged Matta to show his architectural drawings to André Breton and pursue a career in art. Now an accepted member of the Surrealist group, Matta settled in New York in 1938, began oil painting, and befriended American artists while maintaining ties with European friends like Yves Tanguy. In 1948, after the suicide of his friend Gorky, many of his American peers blamed Matta for the death, as he had slept his Gorky’s wife shortly before the tragic event. Ostracized, the artist returned to Europe, spending much of the rest of his life between Paris and Rome. (18399)
Art Art & Design