From the revered Girls and Flowers Portfolio, this work is quintessential Charles Blackman. It is evocative and mysterious – a vestige of feeling over exactness. Reminiscent of his Schoolgirls series, ‘Girl with Plaits’ sees a girl lying prone. She faces away from us, her hair parted to reveal the nape of her neck. The setting is ambiguous – an expansive cream landscape cut against by black sky. Perhaps she’s on the moon.

Fluent in the language of emotion, Blackman’s legacy lies in his ability to articulate dualities. His work is sweet yet sad, serving innocence undercut by threat. Despite its youthful subject matter (anchored by two bows), ‘Girl with Plaits’ is peculiar. It is recalled from the realm of dreams.

‘Girls with Plaits’ was printed by Michelle Perry at Marnling Press, Sydney on Velin Arches 250 gsm paper. It is hand-signed by Blackman himself. For collectors of the icon and important works on paper, ‘Girl with Plaits’ is a thrilling find.
 

Charles BLACKMAN (1928 - )
'Schoolgirls, from Girls and Flowers portfolio' 1989
screenprint on paper
Edition of 80
Image Size: 64 x 45 cm
Dimensions: 76 x 56 cm
Signed: signed, titled, and numbered in pencil in margin below image
Comes with Letter of Provenance
Parts of the Alice and Flowers Portfolio; printed by Michelle Perry at Marnling Press.

Condition: Excellent

© Charles Blackman / Copyright Agency 2023