Sunol Alvar

Sunol Alvar Original Oil Painting on Canvas Large Female Figurative Signed Art

1997

Dick Beer (b. London 1893 - d. Stockholm 1938) Portrait of Gabriele Varese (in Italian uniform), 1919 oil on canvas mounted on panel 116 x 90 cm stamp signature Exhibited: Solo exhibition, Stockholm, Nov-Dec 1917; The Royal Academy Stockholm 1973; Åmells Konsthandel – En internationell kubist, Stockholm & London 2008 Hälsinglands Museum 2011 Millesgården – Dick Beer – Impressionist & Kubist, 2012 Provenance: Within the family Beer until today Dick Beer was born in 1893 in London as Richard Beer, the youngest of five brothers. His father, John Beer (1853-1906), was a watercolourist who was born in Stockholm and had left Sweden at the age of 17. John Beer instructed his sons in drawing and painting, among other things. A number of sketchbooks bear testimony to the boys’ talent. Dick Beer’s parents died in 1906 and 1907. Barely 15 years old, Beer arrived in Sweden as an orphan. First he lived with relatives and finally he ended up at Reverend Laurell in Västergötland. Dick Beer began his artistic studies at the Althin School of Painting in Stockholm in 1908 and continued at the Royal Academy of Arts in the autumn of 1910, but in September 1912 he broke off his studies and travelled to Paris. He rented a studio and enrolled at the Colarossi and Grande Chaumière academies. In the summer of 1913, Dick Beer travelled to Pont-Aven in Bretagne in order to paint. In September the same year, he held his first solo exhibition in Stockholm which he gave the French title Exposition des tableaux de Bretagne et autour de Paris. The exhibition proved a success. Many of the paintings were executed in a light palette in a style inspired by the impressionists. In 1914, Dick Beer undertook an extensive study trip to Italy, Tunis, Morocco and Spain, which resulted in canvases overflowing with colours and light. When the French army mobilised, he volunteered and was enlisted in the French Foreign Legion. In 1915 Dick Beer sustained severe head injuries in a grenade attack, which resulted in deafness and a nervous condition that would plague him for the rest of his life. Two of his brothers died the following year, fighting for the English army. Dick Beer was hospitalised and convalesced at Château de Rochefort. Here he started painting again, in an impressionist style, a painting dominated by blue and green hues. In 1918, Dick Beer married Ruth Öhrling, a dentist, and their son John was born later in the year. During this time, Beer began experimenting with cubist painting and created several large compositions, including the painting “The Arab Café”. In the years that followed, Dick Beer was based in Paris, where he often moved house. He was instructed by André Lhote, who encouraged his students to work freely in the studio and provided them with individual critique. Beer often travelled to Bretagne or Provence. His artist friends came from all over Europe and included Amedeo Modigliani. Dick Beer exhibited fairly regularly in Paris between 1919 and 1934 and made a name for himself in French artist circles. In the summers, Ruth regularly rented a house in the countryside, often at Lake Mälaren. She kept a large house with many models and friends and there was a lot of painting and discussions. In 1933, the couple divorced but Ruth still loved Dick and continued to support him financially for the rest of his life. Dick Beer also exhibited in Sweden, albeit irregularly due to his failing health. In the 1920s and 1930s, Beer continued to pursue an expressionist painting with intense colours and unexpected perspectives, but eventually he veered towards more naturalistic forms, including a large number of nudes. He also painted several portraits of artists, politicians and writers. In 1938, Dick Beer sojourned in Arles. The budding photographer Christer Strömholm...

"Ray of Hope" presents a compelling visual narrative that captures the viewer's attention with its elegant simplicity and emotive composition. The central focus is a lady, her eyes fixed on an unseen point, her hands gently supporting her face, and her flowing braided hair cascading down her shoulders. The artist skillfully employs light and shadow to accentuate the contours of her face, creating an ethereal glow that emanates from her serene expression. The painting's colors, a delicate blend of cool and warm tones, add a sense of depth and richness, further enhancing the artwork's emotional impact. The lady's introspective pose and piercing gaze offer a profound glimpse into the human experience. With her hands gently cradling her face, she exudes a sense of vulnerability and introspection, as if lost in her own thoughts and dreams. The flowing braided hair adds an element of timelessness and femininity, while also symbolizing the fluidity and interconnectedness of one's hopes and aspirations. "Ray of Hope" serves as a reminder that within the depths of contemplation, a spark of optimism and resilience can emerge, guiding individuals toward a brighter future. "Ray of Hope" finds its place within John Alogi's wider body of work, the "Dreams and Reality" series. This series explores the intersection between the subconscious and conscious mind, delving into the depths of human emotions, dreams, and aspirations. Each artwork within this collection invites viewers to question the boundaries between reality and imagination, offering glimpses into alternate worlds and unseen narratives. Alogi's unique ability to blend symbolism with evocative imagery gives birth to visual masterpieces that resonate with viewers on both intellectual and emotional levels. Alogi's artistic style is characterized by a delicate balance between realism and poetic abstraction. His meticulous attention to detail, particularly in capturing facial expressions and the intricacies of hair, results in a stunning portrayal of human emotion. The artist's use of light and shadow creates a sense of depth and luminosity that brings his subjects to life. Alogi's choice of colors, often muted and harmonious, adds to the dreamlike quality of his artwork, enveloping viewers in a world of contemplation and introspection. John Alogi's artwork, "Ray of Hope," captivates viewers with its mesmerizing portrayal of a lady lost in thought. As a part of his "Dreams and Reality" series, this masterpiece reflects the artist's profound understanding of the human condition, evoking a sense of introspection and emotional resonance. Through Alogi's skillful technique and symbolic imagery, the artwork transcends the boundaries of the canvas, inspiring contemplation and igniting a ray of hope within those who encounter it. "Ray of Hope" stands as a testament to the enduring power of art to touch the depths of our souls and remind us of the beauty and resilience within us all. Painting Ships in a well-protected tube from Nigeria This work is unique, this is not a print or other type of copy. Accompanied by a Certificate of Authenticity. About Artist Adeyemi John Damilare better known as Alogi John...