George Keyt (Sri Lankan, 1901-1993) Girl and Cactus

George Keyt (Sri Lankan, 1901-1993) Girl and Cactus signed 'G Keyt 62' upper right and title verso oil on board, framed 81 x 39.5cm (31 7/8 x 15 9/16in). Footnotes: Provenance Property from a private collection, Ireland. Acquired from Adams, Contemporary Paintings and Prints , 7th April 2009, lot 31. When it comes to George Keyt most art historians highlight the impact and influence of Western modern art on his artistic production. This focus might stem from the fact that Keyt's childhood was deeply rooted in the British Empire and those of other European colonial countries. Born in 1901, he was a Burgher of Eurasian descent. The social environment in which he grew up and the education he received can be described as pro-western and supportive of British imperialism. This Eurocentric upbringing drew Keyt's attention to the other side of his origins, those of the country and the culture in which he lived. Keyt studied Buddhism, Hindu myths and developed a keen interest in Indian culture. This apparent idiosyncrasy epitomises the foundation of Keyt's genius. The juxtaposition of ancient traditions and modern forms and styles is what places this artist on the centre stage of the Sri Lankan and South Asian art scene. The formal influence of Wester art comes from different medium, including painting, sculpture, and photography. He worked for a firm of photographers, where he met Lionel Wendt (1900-1944), who encouraged the artist to enter the art world. In 1927 aged 26, Keyt began his artistic education. Soon he deviated from Western Victorian and Edwardian traditions, in favour of more modern styles. His early works are often associated with Gauguin, due their pastoral subjects and the style adopted. However, Gauguin is not the only European artist Keyt is compared to. In 1930 Keyt's works were exhibited in London alongside Pablo Picasso (1881-1973) and George Braques (1882-1963). Cubism, Fauvism, and Post-Impressionism's formal qualities represent a pivotal source of inspiration in the everchanging and progressing style of the artist. In 1943, Keyt, Wendt and other artists founded the '43 Group'. The aim of this collective was to depict Sri Lankan subject matters in radical ways, and they pursued a freedom of expression inspired by European modernism. The group exhibited at the 1955 Venice Biennale where their works were recognised as one of the most radical examples of modern Asian Art. Despite his clear interest in western art principles, Keyt's subjects are largely rooted in local tradition, depicting vernacular buildings and scenery, villagers, dancers, tradesmen, and Gods often drawn from Hindu and Buddhist mythology. In Keyt's paintings, European art forms, Hindu iconography, Buddhism and Indian literature are so skilfully integrated that they cannot be acknowledged separately. Girl and Cactus comprises Keyt's typical themes of folklore and representation of the female body in the manner of European Expressionism. The paint is dense and flat, and yet the rhythmic lines and the rounded shapes create the illusion of movement. We can imagine the central figure removing and repositioning the yellow scarf over her head. The spotlight is on her. Keyt makes her the protagonist of the painting with a clever use of oppositions. The harsh lines of the plant contrast with the softness of the woman's naked body, highlighting her grace, innate elegance, and beauty. The bright colour of the scarf envelopes the figure in a delicate embrace that glorifies her shape and brings her figure out of the darker background. The intense pigments of the surrounding place this painting in an expressionist setting, although the colours used to depict the woman appear more realistic, akin to post-impressionistic works. This painting is another fantastic example of Keyt's skilful merging of European 20th century styles with local scenes and imagery. Lot to be sold without reserve. This lot is subject to the following lot symbols: * * VAT on imported items at a preferential rate of 5% on Hammer Price and the prevailing rate on Buyer's Premium. For further information on this lot please visit Bonhams.com