Baya Mahieddine (1931-1998)
Estimate (low-high) :
Provenance : [Timeline chronologique]
1970-01-01 | Private Collection, Algiers, acquired from the above, circa 1970
2000-01-01 | Private Collection, France, acquired from the above circa 2000
[Propriété non datée]
- of the artist
- Acquired from the above by the present owner
Notes : The French Surrealist artist Andre Breton wrote the dedication to Baya’s Mahieddine’s 1947 Galerie Maeght exhibition in Paris and subsequently, it is reported, began referring to her as ‘Queen Baya.’ An apt name for such an artist who at the tender age of sixteen traveled from her native Algeria to the de facto center of the art world and captivated audiences. Baya’s compositions span the entire picture plane, leaving no room for borders, only vibrant expressive colors, fruits or birds, and like in the present lot anthropomorphic musical instruments. It is frequently considered that Baya’s guitars are metaphors for women, the ultimate living musical instrument. In the present lot, the guitars are red – the color of passion, they curve and turn in a way incapable of making sound, yet they are full of movement. The neck ends in an almost bird-like antenna or crown, as if it is transfiguring before the viewer’s very eyes.
