Eesti kunsti oksjonid
Mall Nukke “2 Geishat”
Sügisoksjon 2024
Collage, acrylic. 2023.
Signature: MN’2023 / “2 GEISHAT“ KOLLAAZ, AKRÜÜL MALL NUKKE 2023
| Measurements | 54,5 x 64,5 cm |
|---|---|
| Starting price | 5 800 € |
| Number of bids | 5 |
| Hammer price | 7 200 € |
Celebrating her 60th birthday this year, artist Mall Nukke (b. 1964) finds creative inspiration in the cultural events, natural phenomena and people around her. She also shares the work of her Japanologist sister Maret Nukke whose translated book “Geisha. Life” inspired her to create the painting “2 Geishas”.
The story of Mineko Iwasaki, the most popular geisha in Japan today, is both heartwarming and surprisin but most importantly – completely true. It is the latter that Nukke loves to highlight in her work and this is how she interprets the relationship and competition between a younger and an older geisha in this painting.
As a symbol of the vitality of a young woman, the Nukke geisha’s robe depicts a dragon and flowers in her hair while as a sign of the continuation of traditions, the Great Wave by one of Japan’s most famous artists, Hokusai, is depicted. Placing the older geisha in the background provides a clear overview of their positions of power but she is still honored, symbolizing wisdom and experience.
The color scheme of the painting has also been deliberately chosen in purple and cherry blossom tones, which is enhanced by the red cherry wood frame in which the design was specially created.
Text: Katre Palm