Leon Dusso (American, 1918-1991), oil on canvas board, ca. 1930s to 1940s. Signed on upper left. An outstanding work of early modern art, created in a style informed by Mayan and Incan motifs and also somewhat akin to the later works of Paul Klee with those heavy lines that meander across the surface. The composition depicts fish and other biomorphic forms in a warm color palette of red, orange, as well as black making for a dramatic contrast. The frame appears to have been made and painted by Dusso as well, adding to the uniqueness of this painting. Born Leon D'usseau and born in Los Angeles, Dusso changed his name and studied under Archipenko and Merrill Gage at Chouinard Institute in Los Angeles, California. See more about his biography below. Size: 19.5" W x 7.75" H (49.5 cm x 19.7 cm); 21.25" W x 9.625" H (54 cm x 24.4 cm) including frame

Leon Dusso began his artistic training with his father, who was an art director for Paramount Pictures. At the young age of fifteen, Dusso received an honorary working scholarship at Chouinard School of Art in Los Angeles, California. At Chouinard, he taught a life drawing class. Later, according to Dusso, "After spending eight years as a make-up artist at M.G.M. a growing need for deeper personal expression caused me to abandon this lucrative occupation for one more spiritually rewarding." Interestingly, this connection to film would continue for Dusso. His oil paintings were used in the film "Man in the Grey Flannel Suit" and the film "Anything Goes" as well as the Perry Mason series on television starring Raymond Burr.

Leon Dusso's works have been exhibited at Los Angeles County Museum of Art (LACMA), 1937-40; CPLH, 1941; MM, 1942; Los Angeles Arts Association, 1944; Audubon Association, 1945; California Water Color Society, 1946; Laguna Festival of Arts. Dusso's works have been collected by: Marshall Field and Palmer House (Chicago) and Dallas Museum.

For more about Leon Dusso, read "Artists in California, 1786-1940" by Edan Hughes.

Provenance: private Hawaii, USA collection

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#138278

Some wear to painted surface. A few abrasions/losses to frame. Still a strong example from this early 20th century modernist.