ART & CURIOSITIES
Lot 87:
“The Unwelcome Guest” original oil on board by listed Oregon artist, Mr. Otis. Signed lower left, circa 1953. Measures in frame, 24” H x 20” W. The self-taught Mr. Otis rose to prominence in the Pacific Northwest in the 1950’s for sly and humorous paintings in a style he called ‘Primitive-Moderne.’ His bright palette and abstract imagery brought him frequent comparisons to his European contemporary Picasso. It was through his advocate Stewart H. Holbrook that the public was introduced to the misfit painter. Holbrook was a historian and a columnist for the Oregonian newspaper for over 30 years, and he forged a friendship with the reclusive artist that led to the publication of Holbrook’s book, ‘Mr. Otis, ’ in 1958. Otis’ work was displayed throughout the Northwest and also in New York in the late 1950’s and 60’s. At the time there were many bemused press articles about this mysterious “primitive” artist who never made public appearances, but often had Stewart Holbrook attend as his representative. Otis’ paintings are filled with satire and humorous commentary on the world of modern art, and in 1958 the Oregonian praised Otis as “one of the most original and vivid painters” of the time. After Holbrook’s death in 1964, rumors abounded that he was in actuality Mr. Otis, although this has never been confirmed.
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