Eesti kunsti oksjonid

Collage on paper. Early 1960s.
Signature: Lembit

Little is known about the fact that Lembit Sarapuu (1930-2024), a master of modernist naivety, also practiced collage but they formed an intriguingly witty and fresh diversion in his work. This charming collage from the early 1960s recalls a technique beloved in that decade as it was extremely popular in book design as well as in advertising.

Surrounded by vintage accessories (a clock, an iron bed, underwear) in a homely setting, the semi-nude depicts a woman who is just getting ready for bed after a great party. The cat, who naturally wants to curl up in bed herself, plays the role of conveying the coziness of home. We also see hints here of the artist’s interest in depicting the naked body, which later became one of the cornerstones of his work.

Text: Harry Liivrand