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Lot 31

 

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"Great painters have abandoned figurative painting because what they wished to paint could not be expressed in terms of images which the eye could recognise. Certainly it is true that the most striking achievements made in painting during the past half century have been, if not actually abstract, then in the direction of abstraction. Souza's particular strength lies not in his refusal to admit the importance of abstract art, but in his capacity... "Great painters have abandoned figurative painting because what they wished to paint could not be expressed in terms of images which the eye could recognise. Certainly it is true that the most striking achievements made in painting during the past half century have been, if not actually abstract, then in the direction of abstraction. Souza's particular strength lies not in his refusal to admit the importance of abstract art, but in his capacity to find in figurative painting everything that he needs; so much so, that he cannot understand why any other artist can do anything else. 'To paint abstract paintings is quite impossible.' Souza has written, 'it's like trying to paint thin air and those who think they do are fooling themselves. They claim to be going "beyond". Beyond what? Beyond zero is minus. They say the spectator must bring his own imagination to work upon their painted surfaces, which means that the spectator should do all the work. It's another instance of the Emperor's clothes. And if this is "art", then I'm the little boy who shouts "it's naked!"."

- Edwin Mullins, Souza, Anthony Blond Ltd., London, 1962 pg. 36

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