An extraordinary etching from artist and sculptor Charles Bragg, executed in his recognizable surrealist figure style. The almost absurdist ballerina is provocative, challenging and redefining our conceptions of beauty and grace. Truly a masterpiece that we are uncomfortable parting with. This very early run from a limited edition series (9/150) measures 8.5" x 6.5" sight and 18" x 16" in beveled black frame, double matte, and behind glass. It is in extraordinarily excellent condition.
Charles Bragg (b. 1931 - d. 2017) may be the most popular and most overlooked artist of our time. His paintings, etchings, and sculptures are in private and public collections worldwide; he has hosted radio and television programs, leading discussions on everything from paintings to politics; and he was a Los Angeles bon vivant, a cultural icon, an outspoken, brilliant and extraordinarily funny man. But what stands out most is that Charles Bragg is one of the most gifted American artists of the twentieth century. His technique is masterly, his subject matter profound. His work conveys both a delight in the creative genius of great artists and a fondness for wallowing in sin. For every image that evinces a smile, there is another that is heart-stopping in its poignant commentary on the human condition. For every cartoonish caricature, there is a stunningly beautiful portrait.
Bragg was born in St. Louis (MO) in 1931. His parents were Vaudeville performers, and he spent most of his young life traveling on tour with them. During his teenage years, he went to New York's High School of Music & Art in Harlem. At 18, he ran away with his high school sweetheart, fellow artist Jennie Tomao.
Before pursuing art, Bragg worked as a cab driver, a truck driver, a stand-up comedian, and a factory worker. He eventually settled in California, where he began his artistic career. He started by painting portraits of wealthy families, as well as offering lessons. He began to pursue his own creative work and experienced some success. His success came from the humor and satirical style of his work, which often portrayed flaws in American society. His political opinions are featured in his work. Bragg has referred to himself as a "devoted student of the human race" and an "observer."
Bragg's works have been showcased in museums and exhibits around the world, and he has had work commissioned by Playboy magazine. In 1986, PBS made a documentary about him called "Charles Bragg - One of a Kind." One of Bragg's lithographs, The Screen Goddess, is featured prominently in the opening scene of the 1992 Robert Altman film, The Player.
His work is found in the collections of at least 20 international museums, including the Pushkin Museum, Moscow, USSR - Galleria d' Arte, Moderna de Milano Stedelijk Museum, Amsterdam, Holland - Dayton Art Museum, Ohio - Downey Museum of Art, California - Long Beach Museum of Art, California - Wichita State University Collection - Roswell Museum Collection, New Mexico - Canton Art Institute, Ohio - Loch Haven Art Center, Orlando Florida - University of Wyoming Museum of Art - The Albrecht Museum of Art, St Joseph, Mo - St Lawrence University, Canton, NY - Gibbes Art Center, Charleston, SC - Kalamazoo Institute of Arts, Michigan ¬University of Judaism, Los Angeles, Ca - Joslyn Art Museum, Omaha, Nebraska - Tyler Museum of Art, Tyler, Texas - Joseph Hirshhorn Collection, National Gallery of Design, NY
Among many awards, Bragg was awarded the the Gold Medal for the National Society of Illustrators as well as the Award of Merit from the Art Directors Guild of New York.
Bragg lived in Beverly Hills. He had two children and died on January 9, 2017 at the age of 85.
