**First Time At Auction**

Rodolfo Morales (1925-2001). "La Dama Uso Imaginacion" collage, 1991. Signed at lower right. A colorful, dream-like collage by Mexican artist Rodolfo Morales titled "La Dama Uso Imaginacion" (The Lady Used Imagination). Morales' collage - constructed with embroidery yarn, lace, metallic foils, various textile trims and appliques, as well as cut fabric and paper - presents a delightful surrealist vignette. Dressed in a yellow dress with a black and white striped coat and black lace trim, the woman strikes a curious pose, bending her head down toward her right with outstretched arms, and holds a yellow purse with a trim of silver seashell motifs. Behind her, a dramatic blue visage stares out from a background comprised of red and white polygons arranged in a patchwork pattern. A captivating collage by Rodolfo Morales, mounted behind glass in an attractive Mexican tin frame that is embellished with traditional folk art designs. Size (collage): 19.5" L x 13.5" W (49.5 cm x 34.3 cm) Size (frame): 23.25" L x 17.4" W (59.1 cm x 44.2 cm)

Oaxaca master Rodolfo Morales attended the Academia de San Carlos in Mexico City and taught art at the Escuela Nacional Preparatoria in Mexico City. He was relatively unknown until Rufino Tamayo discovered his work in 1975 at his first solo exhibition in Cuernavaca. Ever since, Morales' art has been widely exhibited. Highlights include: "Aspects of Contemporary Mexican Painting" at the Americas Society, New York (1990); "Mito y Magia in America" at Museo de Arte Contemporaneo in Monterrey, Mexico (1991); Hechizo de Oaxaca in the Palace of Fine Arts in Mexico City (1992); "Myth and Magic: Oaxaca Past and Present" at the Palo Alto (California) Cultural Center (1994); and "Rodolfo Morales: Juegos y Evocaciones" (1996), a retrospective of Morales' work opened at the Mexican Museum in San Francisco and toured the United States and Canada. In addition, Morales has had major mural commissions in Oaxaca and Mexico City.

Provenance: Private Los Angeles, California, USA collection

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#177628

Signed at lower right. Artwork is mounted under glass in a Mexican tin frame. It has not been examined outside the frame but appears to be in good condition save slight fading to the red and white collage background. Tin frame has some bending to lower edge. It has developed a nice age patina and is fit with suspension wire. There is a Galeria Estela Shapiro, Mexico D.F. label on the back of the frame that includes artist, title, date, medium, and dimensions.