Lot 107: Barry Lett Lost Birds II oil on board title

Barry Lett Lost Birds II oil on board title inscribed, signed and dated 2003 1200mm x 675mm The first thing that jumps out from this panel once one has been absorbed in its radiating ground of technicolour wash, is the motif of the bird as spelled through the text. Referred to by artists throughout the New Zealand art trajectory, from Colin McCahon to Michael Parekowhai, it can be said that the bird echoes throughout New Zealand's art consciousness with calls of guardianship and protection, Maori spiritualism - in the form of the godwit, and ecological responsibility. The idea that the birds are lost carries with it other implications as to the state of the aforementioned, however, there is a pun here in that the birds are also lost visually in the text. The form this text takes, however, is perhaps the most captivating part of this work. It is an animated arena of forms that duck and dive in and out of one another - like a Muppet show music video - a delightful visual kaleidoscope that entertains and involves the viewer in exploring the formal qualities of language as a primarily visual form of communication. Barry Lett is a leading figure in art in New Zealand. As founder of Barry Lett Galleries, a father and artist in his own right he has contributed over 40 years to the cause. IK