Description:

Robert St. Brice (Haitian, 1893-1973), "Vodou Loa", oil on masonite, unsigned, 16 in. x 12 in., framed Provenance: Collection of Angela Gross, Bernardsville, NJ. Note: St. Brice’s career as a painter started late in life, at the age of 50. The formation of his style began when an artist named Alex John, who rented a room in St. Brice’s house, introduced him to Abstract Expressionism. What St. Brice took away from the meeting was that art doesn’t have to be representational but can be deeply emotional. Abstract Expressionism was to become a main characteristic of his art and through him influence several Haitian painters after his death in 1973. Leaving the Episcopalian upbringing early in life to become a voodoo priest, he painted the visions the Loa (spirits) would bring to him in his sleep, as well as personifications of the Loa themselves. The lot presented here is a great example of the very consistent style he used throughout his career as noted by Selden Rodman, “…personages or presences, usually armless and legless, with slits for eyes and mouths, and shapeless bodies stuffed with dots of low-keyed color…results in pictures of evocative mystery and subtle beauty.” Ref.: Rodman, Selden. Where Art is Joy. New York: Ruggles de Latour, 1988, pp. 217-221.

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February 12, 2017 11:00 AM CST
New Orleans, LA, US

Neal Auction Company

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