Eileen Agar

Tree of Knowledge

Tree of Knowledge by Eileen Agar

Artwork Detail

In the early 1930s, although familiar with many leading Parisian Surrealists, Eileen Agar was also influenced by the clear Cubist structures and acute sense of colour, along with sensitivity to the power of nature, found in the work of Louis Marcoussis. She exhibited in the International Surrealist show in London in 1936. 'Tree of Knowledge' dates from the high period of British Surrealism, being described as:

'a fine, rare, early example of the work of an artist who could write with some justification, "I have spent my life in revolt against convention, trying to bring colour and light and a sense of the mysterious to daily existence." Tree of Knowledge does just that.' (Andrew Lambirth)

Title
Tree of Knowledge
Artist/creator
Eileen Agar
Production date
1938
Medium
mixed media on copper and plywood
Dimensions
725 x 510 mm
Credit line
Auckland Art Gallery Toi o Tāmaki, gift of Thanksgiving Foundation, 2023
Accession no
2023/8/4
Other ID
L2011/2 Old Accession Number
Copyright
Copying restrictions apply
Department
International Art
Display status
On display

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