BLACKMAN, CHARLES (1928-2018)

"Head" (c.1950)
monotype
28 x 20cm
signed lower right
*estate of Ray Hughes
 
Charles Blackman OBE was a famous Australian artist. He studied at East Sydney Technical College. He came to notice following his move to Melbourne in the mid-1940s, where he became friends with Joy Hester, John Perceval and Laurence Hope as well as gaining the support of critic and art patron John Reed. He was a member of the Antipodeans, a group of Melbourne painters that also included Arthur Boyd, David Boyd, John Brack, Robert Dickerson, John Perceval, and Clifton Pugh. His work met critical acclaim through his early Schoolgirl and Alice series, the latter Blackman's conception of Lewis Carroll's most famous character. These series are amongst the most valuable and highly sought after artworks in Australia, some selling for seven figures. His works are commonplace in most National Galleries. This beautiful original monotype comes from the estate of legendary gallerist, Ray Hughes.