ᐅ Abstract Composition by Pol Mara (1961) | Drawing

Artwork information

Technique

Watercolour and ink on paper

Date

1961

Dimensions

24.1 cm x 19.1 cm

Dimensions with frame39.4 cm x 34.3 cm

Signature

Signed and dated

State of conservation

Good

Framing

Yes

Location

Newton, Massachusetts, United States of America

Description

Pol Mara (1920–1998)
Abstract Composition, 1961
Watercolour and ink on paper
Signed and dated lower left: Pol Mara, 61

Framed work
Dimensions of the work (unframed): 24.1 × 19.1 cm (9.5 × 7.5 in)
Framed dimensions: 39.4 × 34.3 cm (15.5 × 13.5 in)

This delicate work on paper by Pol Mara, dated 1961, beautifully reflects the artist’s subtle sensitivity in his handling of colour, transparency, and formal suggestion.

Executed in watercolour and ink, the composition unfolds through a refined interplay of washes in powder pink, deep mauve, violet, and pale yellow tones, within a vertical structure that is both pared down and atmospheric. The softly blended chromatic transitions create an almost immaterial impression, poised between an inner landscape and poetic abstraction.

The composition is organised around a dark central form, almost suspended, which structures the space without ever enclosing it. This tension between the fluidity of the medium and the verticality of the form gives the work a silent, meditative presence, particularly characteristic of Pol Mara’s artistic investigations in the early 1960s.
The work is signed and precisely dated 1961 lower left, a particularly desirable feature for a work on paper from this period.

It is presented in a warm patinated gilt wooden frame, accompanied by a large light-coloured mount that elegantly enhances the delicacy of the paper and the subtlety of the washes.

Provenance

American private collection, by descent.

The artist

Painter

Drawer

Pol Mara

Famous artist

Painter

Drawer

Born in 1920

Belgium

Bio

Pol Mara, whose real name was Leopold Leysen, was a Belgian artist whose work marked the history of contemporary art. Born on March 15, 1920 in Antwerp, Belgium, he grew up in a family environment where art was valued and encouraged.

From an early age, Pol Mara showed a precocious interest in creativity and artistic expression. He began painting and drawing as a child, exploring different techniques and styles. In his teens, he enrolled at the Royal Academy of Fine Arts in Antwerp, where he received a classical training in art. However, he soon felt limited by academic conventions and sought to explore new artistic avenues.

After completing his studies in Antwerp, Pol Mara decided to move to Brussels, a city renowned for its dynamic art scene. It was here that he began to forge a unique artistic identity, drawing inspiration from both abstract art and surrealism. His early works were imbued with mystery and imagination, combining realistic elements with abstract forms and vivid colors.

Over the years, Pol Mara developed his own artistic approach, exploring universal themes such as love, solitude, the human condition and the duality of human nature. His paintings were often imbued with a palpable emotional tension, blending the beauty and tragedy of human existence.

Pol Mara's work has been widely recognized and appreciated both at home and abroad. His solo exhibitions have been enthusiastically received by audiences and critics alike. In addition to his career as a painter, he has also created sculptures and installations, exploring new dimensions of artistic expression.

Pol Mara received numerous awards during his lifetime, including the Rubens Prize in 1977 and the International Prize of the Menton Biennial in 1980. His works are included in the collections of prestigious museums around the world, and his contribution to contemporary Belgian art is considered significant and influential.

Beyond his artistic success, Pol Mara was also known for his humble personality and generosity towards young artists. He taught at the Royal Academy of Fine Arts in Brussels for many years, passing on his knowledge and experience to the next generation.

Pol Mara died on July 26, 1998, leaving behind a lasting artistic legacy. His work continues to inspire and fascinate art lovers the world over, and he is considered one of the most important Belgian artists of the 20th century.