LOT DETAILS

Materials:

oil on canvas

Size Notes:

33 by 22cm. 13 by 8in.

Edition:

The return of the marionette in Marwans painting thus reveals a side of his art that also allows a better understanding of the main theme of the heads. Marwan doesnt represent anything figuratively, if re-presentation means to repeat something already apparent. Even in the early work of the 1960s, which was exhibited in the Berlinische Galerie in 2006, it is clear that his art has a quality of performance that doesnt shy away from theatricality. In his mature work this trait has been refined into a kind of pictorial hand-writing, a free emotional calligraphy that literally performs the figurative motif; evokes it through the rhythmic, graphically controlled chromatic structure, without relying on a preconceived reality. Marwans painting is neither based on a given sensation nor set against the background of a particular meaning. It also doesnt simply amount to the colouristic and formal texture on the canvas, but finds its visual, emotional and associative concretion in the act of being perceived by the viewer. The opulence of the painted surface, the bursting of delectable, synaesthetically captivating essences in these pictorial tapestries may recall Andr Massons assertion that splendour in Western painting has always come from the Orient. But at least as significant, if not more so, is Marwans uncompromising acceptance of a maxim of European modernism which Rainer Maria Rilke, the poet of exalted emotions, associated with the figure of the marionette in his Duino Elegies: I will not have these half-filled masks! No, no / rather the doll. That s full. Ill force myself / to bear the husk, the wire, and even that face / of sheer appearance. Here! I am in my seat (Translated by Michael Turnbull, Robert Kudielka, Marwan and the Marionette, Sinn und Form, October 2007, online)

Description:

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Markings:

Untitled (From the Marionnette Series)

Condition:

Condition: The work is in very good condition. There is a minor linear horizontal crack on the top frame, only noticeable upon close inspection. No signs of restoration under the UV light. Please note the colours in the online catalogue illustration may vary depending on screen setting The lot is sold in the condition it is in at the time of sale. The condition report is provided to assist you with assessing the condition of the lot and is for guidance only. Any reference to condition in the condition report for the lot does not amount to a full description of condition. The images of the lot form part of the condition report for the lot. Certain images of the lot provided online may not accurately reflect the actual condition of the lot. In particular, the online images may represent colors and shades which are different to the lot's actual color and shades. The condition report for the lot may make reference to particular imperfections of the lot but you should note that the lot may have other faults not expressly referred to in the condition report for the lot or shown in the online images of the lot. The condition report may not refer to all faults, restoration, alteration or adaptation. The condition report is a statement of opinion only. For that reason, the condition report is not an alternative to taking your own professional advice regarding the condition of the lot. NOTWITHSTANDING THIS ONLINE CONDITION REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE/BUSINESS APPLICABLE TO THE RESPECTIVE SALE.

Provenance:

Gifted by the artist to the present owner in 2014