A somber and surreal acrylic painting on board titled Red Dress by Detroit based artist Paula Raatz. Purchased from CPOP gallery in 2007. The overcast stark landscape with an overcast sky and the farmhouse in the distance takes inspiration from Andrew Wyeth's Christina's World. In both artworks there is a girl in the main foreground among long flowing grass. Wyeth famously depicted his main figure in a pink dress positioned away from the viewer, but with Raatz's illustration the girl is turned to the viewer exuding the same tense, frozen impression. While this item has been professionally cleaned, it has been curated from a smoker's estate. Dimensions: 20h x 15.5w. In good condition with slight areas of abrasion - see photos for reference.
Provenance: This item was curated from the estate of Kenneth Robert Stanley (1957-2022) who was a Detroit musician, world traveler, and collector. Per Rick Manore, co-founder of CPOP Gallery, "Ken was a postal worker for over 30 years, Ken's career afforded him the ability to buy and collect art. His apartment was like a small museum of both famous and up-and-coming artists' work. Ken especially collected Detroit artists, many of whom would become household names. Works by Glenn Barr and Niagara would share walls with Mark Ryden and Roy Lichtenstein. His collection of pristine vinyl records and Rock ephemera was eclectic and focused. Ken's book collection was also tuned to his Post-Postmodern taste. This auction is about more than just great art - it is a testimonial to the love and passion for art and music by Kenneth Robert Stanley."