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 steered her attitude towards art, producing work that was more musical than literal, hymns about people, places and activities.

Among Braund’s favoured subjects were parties. In throngs of dancing people, she found unexpected formal opportunities – shoulders shimmering, jeans swinging and faces twisting into kisses. 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”, an awareness that simple does not necessitate serious. By seeing the world as an orchestra of forms, the artist heard its notes of absurdity, levity and vulnerability.

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, formalist and female artists, the perfect companion for your next dinner party.

Dorothy BRAUND (1926 - 2013)
'Love Embrace' 1977
Mixed media on canvas
Image Size: 38 x 51 cm
Dimensions: 51 x 64 x 2 cm
 
Comes with Letter of Provenance
 
Condition: Very good
 
(c) Dorothy Braund / Copyright Agency