Phases. 1965. by Wilfredo Lam, 1902-1980

Wilfredo Lam, 1902-1980
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Phases. 1965.

Original lithograph in colours. 1965. Signed in ballpoint and inscribed by the artist as the 'bon a tirer'. Extremely rare probably unique, trial proof, before the sheet was cut-down and before the edition of only 20 impressions for the de-luxe issue of Phases, 10. The trimming lines where the sheet will be cut-down for the issued edition of 20 are marked on this proof. Printed at the studio of Michel Cassé
Ref: Musée de Gravelines 1993 - Lam L'Oeuvre Gravé no 6502

Excellent proofing impression on cream/beige wove paper. Excellent condition for such a proof; very slight handling marks and a few flecks of ink. Worked almost to the full sheet size. Sheet: 12 1/2 x 8 7/8ins (319x227mm)

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This highly characteristic and powerful image typifies the surrealist power of Lam's finest graphic work of the post-war period. It is also extremely rare, the unique 'bon à tirer' (guide proof) for an edition of just 20 impressions.

Lam was born in Cuba and made his first art studies at the Havana academy, and his consciousness of the native art of Cuba never left him. He went to Spain in 1924, and then went on to Paris in 1938. By that time he had met Picasso frequently, and it was through him that he joined the Surrealist circle in Paris in 1938. The communication with the subconscious, which was a central element of Surrealist thinking, was totally in line with his own ideas of the role of painting. Whereas Miro, Ernst and Masson created a dream imagery Lam used forms derived from artefacts in native Cuban art, woodcarvings, votive objects etc. This adoption of his native art, and its translation into an abstract stimulus of the subconscious, is very powerfully expressed in this lithograph.