Dine Frozen and Bruised

Ronald Brooks Kitaj RA (1932-2007)

Lithograph on paper from 1972 from the portfolio A Day Book by Robert Creeley (recognised as one of the most influential US authors and poets of the 20th century).

Signed in pencil, numbered 71 from the edition of 200.

Jim Dine: Frozen and Bruised references a letter from the American artist, a friend of Kitaj, describing an episode of transatlantic alienation which Kitaj might have felt echoed the hostility he sensed was afforded him by much of the British press: ‘I just returned from a football match, and I am frozen and bruised. My oldest son and I were thrown and crunched to the ground by a partisan crowd. These English are a queer bunch…’

“Prints by RB Kitaj from ‘A Day Book’ with text by Robert Creeley combine the artist’s graphic ouvre with his love of literature. Kitaj’s prints from the 60’s and 70’s demonstrate an experimental use of printmaking methods and surfaces. An influential graphic work with eight screenprints, four etchings and a lithograph printed on various papers, canvas and acetate. 

A controversial figure – political, intellectual and much admired by his peers Hockney, Freud and Auerbach. His work recently enjoyed a resurgence of interest with exhibitions at Pallant House Gallery, Chichester, The Jewish Museum London, Marlborough Fine Art and The British Museum”. Source The Rabley Drawing Centre

Collections: the TATE

A Day Book arrived at a pivotal and traumatic moment in Kitaj’s life. The last major screenprint series of Kitaj’s career, before his return to figure drawing, it reveals an artist in creative crisis, propelled by events around him, and forced to confront the very nature of his obscure art (source: Goldmark Art)

Measurements: 62 x 42 cm sheet size

Condition: Excellent, Unframed.

This work has now been sold