E & M PerezEllen and Michael Perez

Helen Malta Figures Portraits WPA Harlem Ashcan Couples

Helen Malta Figures Portraits WPA Harlem Ashcan Couples


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Directory: Fine Art: Mixed Media: Pre 1950: Item # 1474836
E & M Perez
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Archer
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352-495-4086

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Two works by Helen Malta of human figures, a watercolor with standing figures facing away from one another, the other with two intense faces side by side, both signed by the artist on paper. The two standing figures measure 12" x 9" and the other is 9 5/8" x 8 1/4". The standing water color also has drawn lines in red, and is signed at the bottom between the figures. the figure on the right holds a bird. The other work is mostly pastel on paper, signed Malta in the lower right. Note, some of the images were darkened a bit when uploaded, but they are all clear with good color. Condition is good, the standing work is on heavy texture watercolor paper and has no tears, losses or stains. The other has a vertical tear at the bottom, which has been taped. As they are vintage, are sold as is. Helen Malta (1912-1975), American artist, affiliated with the WPA, lived and worked in New York City, Baltimore, and Philadelphia, and was a chronicler of her daily life, filling sketchbooks with drawings from real life, from her imagination, all with deftness and her own unique vision. She filled notebooks with sketches, much like keeping a written diary, and her interests were clearly the urban environment in which she lived, people in every age group, animals, birds, and daily activities in her world. She worked as an instructor of art in Harlem for the WPA, and seems to have been influenced by the modernist art movement, including cubist forms, linear and abstracted landscapes and city scapes, much in the style of Marin and Feininger. She also chronicled her travel, and some images are likely done as illustrative works, especially children's books. She drew and painted throughout her life, most of it from the 1930s until the 1970s. Her art includes drawings in ink, crayon, pastel, watercolors and gouache, and oil on canvas or board.The bulk of her works have come to light in recent years, though she has had numerous of her wonderful scenes in major institutions, including the Smithsonian and the Philadelphia Museum of Art. Her earliest works are signed Helen Wagner, her maiden name. She painted and drew many human figures and many have a rather somber or even sad appearance, perhaps an indication of her own personal life. Leaving New York as a young adult also had something of an impact, as she made notes on some of her drawings that reflected her desire to stay in NYC. Malta is a wonderful example of art of the urban landscape, and her own personal style is always present in every sketch or finished work. She represents the era of WPA supported art, the art of the people, often folky and stark, a wonderful view of a changing time in America. From a large collection by this wonderful artist, please view our shop for additional works. Please view all photos and email any questions. Shipping via USPS or Fedex with tracking and insurance. Shipping delays may occur.