- 50
Paul Guiragossian
Description
- Paul Guiragossian
- Sculpturale
- signed Paul G.; signed on the reverse
- oil on canvas
- 69.5 by 100cm.; 27 3/8 by 39 1/2 in.
- Executed in 1968.
Provenance
Acquired directly from the above by the present owner's father in 1968
Thence by Descent
Exhibited
Condition
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."
Catalogue Note
Sculpturale dating from 1968, depicts five maternal figures huddled around a single child. When the current owner of the work met with the artist at the exhibition opening in Galerie L'Amateur in Beirut, Guiragossian revealed that the figures represent five refugee women (possibly of Palestinian, Armenian, Lebanese or Syrian descent) gathered together in an almost futile attempt to conserve just a fraction of their previous lives. By leaving the nationality of the refugee women unidentified, the figures form a universal bond with their audience. They are able to relate through a reflection of their own experiences, some of which will conjure up memories of past affairs, whilst others will view the work in the context of the present turmoil in the Middle East.
It is no surprise that the maternal figure reappears again and again in this artist’s extensive portfolio of works. With Sculpturale, Guiragossian draws on this theme from his own experience, being the son of a single mother, to produce a vivid scope of tones and expression, exposing his admiration for the nurturing role of women which exist at the heart of every society. On this subject, the artist explains, “The woman is constantly present in my paintings, my drawings, because she is Love, Childhood, Suffering and Peace. She is the one who is against sending her son and husband to wars.”
Guiragossian's paintings reveal a fondness towards Abstract Expressionist art, perhaps closest to Matisse, Cezanne, Picasso and others, the lively expressionism of his oeuvre is unique and cannot be likened to any other. Figures dominate the canvases throughout his oeuvre, before melding into a pure and new abstraction that would permeate his works from the mid-1980s until his demise in November 1993.