Exhilarating Ertè

This stunning serigraph by Erté is part of his Numeral series in which men, women, and mystical creatures contort themselves to form the digits 0 through 9. 

In this vividly colored silk screen print, deeply embossed with golden accents, a woman and man, or perhaps a goddess and god, appear to dance against a galaxy of stars as they form the numeral "8."

Erté was born Roman Petrovich Tyrtov in Saint Petersburg, Russia, in 1892. His father, who was an admiral of the Russian Imperial Fleet and the director of the Naval Engineering School, wanted his son to become a naval officer as well, but Ertè was drawn to art and design. To escape the disapproval of his parents, he traveled to Paris in 1912 to pursue his dream of becoming a designer. It was there that he assumed the assumed the pseudonym "Erté," created from his initials "R" and "T." Erté began his career in the atelier of famed Parsian couturier Paul Poiret and soon was designing costumes for dance companies and performers, from the Ballets Russe to Mata Hari. Drawing from Orientalism, ancient art, and the burgeoning art deco movement, Ertè became renown for his use of rich, decadent colors and flowing fabrics. He also became an illustrator and his elegant exotic drawings appeared on the covers of "Harper's Bazaar, as well as in such publications as "Illustrated London News," "Cosmopolitan," and "Vogue." In 1925, Erté traveled to Hollywood to design movie costumes for the MGM Studios, including "La Bohème" (1926) and "Ben Hur" (1959). The art deco revival of the 1960s brought new attention to Erté's work and he began producing limited edition lithographs. Erté was enthralled by this new media, as it made his art more accessible to collectors. In 1974, Erté signed a contract with Circle Fine Art Corporporation to produce serigraphs, lithographs, and etchings of his earlier designs and illustrations. Well into his eighties Erté continued to create, branching out in bronze and fine jewelry. He died in 1990.

 

The piece is signed in pencil by the artist. . . 

and carries the original gallery label indicating that this piece is 42 out of a limited run of 350. The framed serigraph also comes with authentication paperwork.

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12022-143

Stunning Serigraph

This big and beautiful serigraph with bold blocks of color is by New Orleans artist Ron Picou. Born in the Big Easy in 1940, Picou's art demonstrates his love for his city and the surrounding bayous. 

Entitled "Village Acadien," this 1987 work is numbered 766 out of an edition of 2000.

Picou graduated from John McCrady Art school, and after working for a number of New Orleans advertising and graphics firms, established the Royal Arts Studio. He worked mainly in oils and silkscreen printing, showcasing his skills in drafting and color. Picou's talent and affection for his hometown and its people resulted in his being awarded many commissions for local events, such as designs for the local public broadcasting station and the Crescent City Classic, as well as internationally. His works are found in many private collections and have been exhibited publicly.   

All posted items are for sale at Next-to-New, but things can sell quickly!

15417-54

Aloha from Hawaii

This limited edition serigraph is as large as it is lovely (the image alone is image size 33 inches by 40 inches). By Pegge Hopper, it is entitled "Lanikai Afternoon"and was issued in a limited edition of 300 in 1984. Unfortunately, these photographs do not do justice to Hopper's vibrant colors, assured lines, or compelling subject. 

Although Hopper was born in Oakland, California in 1936, she is best known for her distinctive studies of beautiful and strong Hawaiian women. Hopper graduated from the Art Center College of Design in Pasadena, California. Before moving to Hawaii in 1963, Hopper designed murals and posters in the United States and Europe. While working as an art director in Hawaii, she came across vintage photographs of Hawaiian women at the state archives. Hopper was impressed by how confident and self-actualized the women were, "not trying to be beautiful, not trying to be skinny, not trying to look any way. Just there, in all their glory.” In 1970, Hopper began to create her own images of Hawaiian women and in 1983 opened her own gallery. She has done many one-women shows both in Hawaii and the continental United States and her art is featured in the permanent collections of the Hawaii State Foundation on Culture and the Arts, The Contemporary Arts Center in Hawaii, the Bishop Museum in Honolulu, the Honolulu International Airport, and the Pacific Club, as well as in many private collections

This print is numbered in pencil "104/300" and is signed by Hopper.

All posted items are for sale at Next-to-New, but things can sell quickly!

4061-525