DIETER HACKER Mon Dieu 9 1983, Charcoal on Paper drawing

Dieter Hacker

1980s Charcoal drawing from German-born artist Dieter Hacker ; signed recto (lower right front) with Marlborough Gallery (NY) Label on the verso of the frame. Not examined outside of original 1980s frame, but appears to be in very good vintage condition. See additional photos.   (Christie's Sale info, verso. Sold at Christie's East: Friday, May 13, 1988, Modern and Contemporary Paintings, Lot 171. ) Vivian Raynor of the New York Times reviewed Hacker's 1986 Marlborough Gallery one-man exhibition, noting that it was only Hacker's second appearance in the United States. (He had heretofore made a name for himself in West Germany.) The renowned British curator and former ICA head Norman Rosenthal wrote the catalogue essay. Raynor writes, "According to [Rosenthal's catalogue] the artist emerged from his Munich academy a Constructivist, in the mid-60's; he then became a Conceptualist, photographer and film maker, staging exhibitions at his own gallery, which is in Berlin. It's not clear whether he continued to paint during this phase but, if he did, it was with the greatest reluctance, as indicated by the caption of an early work quoted by Mr. Rosenthal. A cri de coeur, it goes: ''I am always allowing myself to be seduced into painting unbelievably beautiful paintings.'' That the artist has since bloomed as a Neo-Expressionist with Neoclassical leanings is an indication of misgivings circumvented rather than overcome. These paintings and sculptures, he says, are an assertion of his own humanity comparable to that made (however unwittingly) by Matisse, when he produced still lifes during and in spite of World War II. But unlike the French master, Hacker continues to produce Conceptual works with a political cast....Hacker remains very much the German Romantic expressing desolation and foreboding..."

SIGNATURE

Hand signed and dated. 

PROVENANCE

 Marlborough Gallery, inventory NOL24.273

Christie's East: Friday, May 13, 1988, Modern and Contemporary Paintings, Lot 171.