Australian modernist Dorothy Braund pursued simplicity. As she described, it “knocked” her out – “there’s no chance for accidental effects. If you are simple everything has to relate and work” – an ethos that produced work that was more musical than literal, hymns about people, places and activities.

‘Fatigue’, an original oil painting, is a modernist triumph. Across a mottled mustard plane, Braund paints a near abstract figure in a leotard. The figure is anonymous, a series of shapes that evoke reprieve; a ballet dancer reclining after a long day at the studio. As art critic Bernard Shaw observed of Braund’s work in 1964, it is “linked with a shrewd and civilised eye for the bizarre and comical” – simple does not necessitate seriousness, masculinity or dullness.

Represented across state collections including at the National Gallery of Victoria and the Art Gallery of South Australia, Braund was a key figure in Australian modernism. She was a member of the George Bell School and the only woman to exhibit alongside Charles Blackman and his compatriots at the 1953 Herald Art Show. Masterly in her own way, she is an essential – and joyous – addition to collections of modern, nudes and female artists.

Dorothy BRAUND (1926 - 2013)
'Fatigue' 1987
oil on board
Image Size: 61 x 91 cm
Dimensions: 64 x 94 x 3 cm
Signed: Signed dated lower right: Braund 87
 
Comes with Letter of Provenance
 
Condition: Very Good: Describes a work of art's image as Excellent, but may show some small signs of surrounding wear to paper or frame. There are no tears to paper margin or disruption to the paint surface.
 
(c) Dorothy Braund / Copyright Agency