Australian modernist Dorothy Braund pursued simplicity. It, in her own words, “knocked” her out – “There’s no chance for accidental effects. If you are simple everything has to relate and work”. This preoccupation led her to compose images more musical than visual, hymns about people, places and activities.

In this work, Braund captures a family at the beach. She is gently satirical and lightly experimental – bronzed legs, broad hats and warming shoulders. In 1964, art critic Bernard Shaw described Braund’s work as lively, “linked with a shrewd and civilised eye for the bizarre and comical” – simple, does not always necessitate seriousness. In fact, by seeing the world as an orchestra of forms, Braund detected its notes of absurdity, vulnerability, warmth and beauty like few others.

Represented across state collections, Braund is an important part of Australian modernism. She was a member of George Bell’s School, the only woman to exhibit alongside Charles Blackman, Arthur Boyd and others in 1953 and as Shaw noted, “masterly in her own way”. For collectors of modern art and work by women, she is a must.

Dorothy BRAUND (1926 - 2013)
'Untitled (Family Holiday)' 1993
archival pigment print on paper
Image Size: 52 x 70 cm
Dimensions: 75 x 92 cm
Signed: facsimile signature lower right: Braund 93.

Condition: Excellent 

© The Artist or Assignee