Deborah Klein is one of Australia’s foremost painters, pastellists and printmakers whose work examines feminism and womens’ histories. She has attracted a dedicated curatorial and collectors’ following, received important awards and prizes and been acquired by the National Gallery of Australia, National Gallery of Victoria, numerous state, regional and tertiary institutions, as well as notable corporate and private collections across Australia and abroad.

‘Witness’ comes from her 'Knots and Braids' series. As Kleins states, this series was inspired by "the collection of portrait miniatures and sentimental jewellery at Kenwood House on Hampstead Heath." Through the lens of intricate hairstyles, she examines historical modes of feminine self-expression and how this reflects the strictures of women's roles.

Notable for its adept use of pastels and delicate nuances of the dominant greys, blues, and pinks, 'Witness' is an utterly elegant image. 

Works by Deborah Klein are an important addition to beginning and seasoned collectors of contemporary art as well as for the dedicated collectors of women artists. She hopes that "this drawing, which is one of my most ambitious, will find a good home."


Deborah KLEIN (1951 - )
'Witness' 2004
oil pastel on paper
Image Size: 110 x 78 cm
Dimensions: 126 x 90 x 5 cm
Signed: Signed, dated and titled on reverse
Comes with Letter of Provenance

Exhibited: Deborah Klein: Tease, Charles Nodrum Gallery, Nov - Dec 2004; Deborah Klein: Out of the Past 1995-2007, Castlemaine Art Gallery, and touring to Ballarat Art Gallery, Warrnambool Art Gallery, and Deakin University Gallery, 2008-2010.

Literature: Diane Soumilas. Deborah Klein: Out of the Past 1995-2007 (exhibition cat), Castlemaine Art Gallery, 2008.

Condition: Very Good

© The Artist or Assignee