Lot 283
Mary Klein (American, XX). Untitled painting of three pears, 2004. Signed and dated on lower right and verso. A charming painting by self-taught artist Mary Klein who takes pride in turning discarded objects into treasures. This piece, for example, is comprised of found window moldings and a wooden board that served as her canvas. She is best known for her pear paintings, and this composition features three pears that symbolize her three heart surgeries. (For more about this, read her biographical statement below.) The trio of shapely pears sits upon a black and white checkered floor before a mesmerizing background featuring butterflies and a single elegant bird amidst flowering branches. Size: 17" L x 24.75" W (43.2 cm x 62.9 cm)
Artist Statement: "Mary Klein had no known connection to the pear, but one evening after a long period of 'painters block' she suddenly created a piece with three pears. There wasn't much thought involved in the selection of this image, but painting pears seemed comforting to her. / People began to ask why she continually painted pears and she simply answered, 'I don't know, I just like painting them, I can't stop, it gives me energy and peace to paint them, they have such personality - each one a little different - they're amusing, entertaining, cute, sexy.' / One day a friend of Mary's made the observation that a pear actually resembles the human heart much more than the traditional Valentine version. This was a revelation to Mary, especially since she herself grew up with heart problems. / Several years later, Mary met a woman who asked the question of her occupation. Mary usually gave the generic answer, 'I am an artist,' but for some reason instead said, 'I paint pears.' The woman found it strange, because just the day before a best friend brought her three pears. The heart connection only became stronger when Mary found out that this woman too had severe heart complications. / 'I have endured three open heart surgeries,' says Mary. 'The pears were my hearts - my three hearts, my three chances at life. It made sense that I repeated this image, it was my symbol for life. If I don't paint pears for a couple of weeks I get tired, irritated, off balance. It enlivens me to paint pears.' (Mary Klein Art)
Provenance: ex-private Bishop Family Trust collection, the Trust of the late Bill Bishop, a noted antiquarian with shops in Scottsdale, Arizona and Allenspark, Colorado, USA, acquired before 2010
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#173123
- Condition: Signed and dated by the artist at the lower right. Also signed, dated, and inscribed "painted in Brooklyn NY" on the verso. Expected surface wear to the found window moldings with chips, abrasions, a few perforations, and paint loss as shown. Painted image has a few scuffs/scratches but is otherwise very nice.
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