Obata: Painting of Photographer in a Park (Sold)

Artist: Chiura Obata   (1885-1975)
Title: Painting of Photographer in a Park
Date: October 7th, 1940

Painting in sumi (ink) of a parklike setting, perhaps part of the campus of UC Berkeley. We see trees of various sizes and shapes lining a path that seems to have a few bicyclists in the distance as well as several pedestrians in the foreground. Closest to us is a man who look to be reading a paper, and further along seem to be two men who are focused on a camera with a tripod. This comes from one of Obata’s sketchbooks that contained a great variety of scenes; perhaps he kept it with him most of the time. Obata’s economy of line and mastery of the Japanese-style brush are practically unequalled in 20th c. American art. Obata taught at Berkeley between 1932 and 1954, where he influenced a generation of California artists, and at his own count taught more than 10,000 students. The University of California, Berkeley preserved all of his paintings while Obata and his family were interned in Utah during WWII.

Condition:  Excellent condition overall, with a few wrinkles along edges. Binding holes along top and a minor stain at bottom edge.  
Dimensions:  39 x 27.5 cm
Provenance:  Provenance: Estate of Chiura Obata. WIth a certificate of authenticity from the estate of the artist.
Signature:  Chiura Obata, also dated by the artist

SKU: OBA062