Alexis Preller (South Africa 1911-1975) The Yellow Head ,1945
Provenance :
Exhibited :
Literature : Berman, E. & Nel, K. (2009). Alexis Preller: Africa, the Sun and Shadows. Johannesburg: Shelf Publishing, illustrated in colour on p.87.
Notes : Notes: With a South African government grant to ex-servicemen, Preller was able to invest in land on which to construct his new home and studio in an area of Pretoria known as Brummeria. Long fascinated by myths and legends, he named it Ygdrasil, the Tree of Life in Norse mythology, its branches reaching up to unite the known world with the heavens above while its roots stretch down into the nether world. Finally he could look back from his own piece of paradise and feel less scarred by his cruel experience of World War II, translating memories into more meditative form. This appealingly portrait of a child with large dark almond eyes set in a sweet, sensitive face provides a compelling image of youth. The flower, possibly a guara lindheimeri or ‘butterfly bush’ – popularly planted in Africa, but not indigenous – lends an exotic appeal. This unique work is inspired by the artist’s unique imaginative world of personal symbols and his rich experience of world cultures. Consciously paying homage to French artists like Paul Gauguin, Preller creates his own experimental style and visionary subjects that conjure an ideal world of love and beauty. EB
Condition_report : The overall condition is good. Paint crackling in areas.
