‘Cleo I’ Timber Bust after Modigliani, Theo Bremer 1980
‘Cleo I’ Timber Bust after Modigliani, Theo Bremer 1980
Signed Brutalist timber sculpture in the style of Modigliani, dated 1980. The artist, Theo Bremers, has copied Amedeo Modigliani’s ‘Head’ (1912), see images.
An early modernist revelation, the mask-like face of the original sculpture referenced tribal art and brilliantly incorporated a modern, European hairdo.
Theo’s work has taken the hair to the next level, giving Cleo a full bouffant. I have a huge fondness for amateur work, which is often expressive in unexpected ways. This is a great example.
I love that she looks so unimpressed. There’s a touch of the ‘Kath and Kim’ about this one. Where Modigliani instilled something of the ancient feeling of mysterious power in his idols, Cleo is huffy, implacable, judgemental, unimpressed. Or as Kim Day-Knight would say, ‘She’s right up herself, Mum!’
MEASURES:
50cm H x 15cm W x 14cm Deep.
CONDITION:
She has a restored black timber base, the plaque/title has been moved to the back and a new felt pad added underneath.
IMAGE CREDIT:
Minneapolis Institute of Art, USA
