Tschabalala Self - Wired: Online Auction London Thursday, April 22, 2021 | Phillips

Create your first list.

Select an existing list or create a new list to share and manage lots you follow.

  • Provenance

    Schur-Narula, Berlin
    Pilar Corrias, London
    Acquired from the above by the present owner

  • Exhibited

    Berlin, Schur-Narula, Head over Heels, 6 - 27 May 2015

  • Catalogue Essay

    Created in 2015, In Touch formed part of Tschabalala Self's first European solo exhibition, titled Head Over Heels and held at Schur-Narula in Berlin. The exhibition primarily explored notions surrounding the ‘othered female body’. The body of work produced for this show examines theme of identity in contemporary society while simultaneously sheds light on Self’s own personal experience as a Black female artist. In works such as In Touch, Self makes personal references to her childhood by including motifs which mimic textures of textiles used by her mother when sowing clothes or curtains. This is evident in the handling of paint, in the upper part of the work, where the impressions and creased effects recall the folded shapes of linen or cotton. This is directly contrasted to the two smooth black curvaceous forms, which suggest the generous bosom of a Black female figure. In Touch depicts two curvaceous forms painted black which suggest the generous bosom of a Black female figure. The present work highlights the artist’s mastery of colour and texture and introduces the concept of textiles, which become a central theme in the artist’s oeuvre.

  • Artist Biography

    Tschabalala Self

    American • 1990

    Harlem-born artist Tschabalala Self combines sewing, printing and painting in a singular style that speaks to her experience of contemporary black womanhood. Despite her extensive use of craft methods, Self considers herself to be a painter above all else. Her work is known for exaggerated colors and forms, allowing the personages within to “escape” from society’s narrow perceptions.

    Explaining her practice, the artist stated: “I hope to correct misconceptions propagated within and projected upon the Black body. Multiplicity and possibility are essential to my practice and general philosophy. My subjects are fully aware of their conspicuousness and are unmoved by the viewer. Their role is not to show, explain, or perform but rather ‘to be.’ In being, their presence is acknowledged and their significance felt. My project is committed to this exchange, for my own edification and for the edification of those who resemble me.”

    View More Works

1

In Touch

signed, inscribed and dated 'Tschabalala Self 2015 Schur-Narula' on the reverse
oil on paper
56.9 x 75.9 cm (22 3/8 x 29 7/8 in.)
Executed in 2015.

Estimate
£15,000 - 20,000 

Sold for £22,680

Contact Specialist

Charlotte Gibbs

Head of Sale, London

+44 20 7901 7993

cgibbs@phillips.com

Wired: Online Auction

Online Auction 22 - 29 April 2021