Untitled
Circa 1964
Ink on paper
8 1/2 x 11 inches
Unsigned original abstract artwork accomplished by Bob Neuwirth on an off-white 8 1/2 x 11 sheet of notebook paper. Neuwirth fills the page with a bold black-and-white composition replete with organic shapes, symbols, and figures that interlock and overlap—the imagery includes abstract animal and humanoid outlines, suggesting a dreamlike narrative or a primitive symbolic language. The high-contrast style and fluid linework evoke a sense of energetic movement and spontaneity, fusing surrealism and tribal art. In fine condition.
In an article entitled 'Variations on a Theme: The Improvisational Art of Bob Neuwirth' in Whitehot Magazine, Eric La Prade notes: 'Neuwirth’s first love was always painting: he painted steadily throughout his lifetime, experimenting with different artistic styles, using different media and producing a substantial body of work. Yet, his musical career overshadowed his painting interests; hence, his work as a painter is hardly known outside of the circle of friends and/or the collectors who bought his pictures…In Boston, Neuwirth had a painting studio on the top floor of an old warehouse, probably above the Unicorn Coffeehouse at 825 Boylston Street. Neuwirth’s styles at that time featured black and white stylized figures in a flat plane—stylistically reminiscent of Picasso’s monumental and hugely influential 1937 painting, Guernica—as well as figurative expressionist works.'
The majority of auction proceeds from the Neuwirth archives will support the completion of 'Untitled: Bob Neuwirth Project' documentary, exploring the life of music and art creative catalyst, Bob Neuwirth.
