Lot 1042: Larry Edwards Pastel on Paper Painting

Lawrence (“Larry”) Edwards (Mississippi/Tennessee/American 1939-2013), pastel on paper painting titled “Secret Pleasures: Lust with Orangutan,” depicting a grotesque orangutan in an orange/red room, bearing its teeth and claws above a woman, who is lounging in ecstasy.  Housed under glass in a black metal frame with a white mat. 1987. Artist’s History.:  Lawrence (“Larry”) Fielding Edwards was a professor of arts and chairman of the art department at the University of Memphis from 1978 to 1997.  A graduate of the University of Mississippi, Edwards also served as chairman of the art departments of Appalachian State University and Penn State University.  Edwards once exhibited widely throughout the southeast, and was known for replacing humans with animals in his work “because it makes our actions seem more absurd.”  Source: The Commercial Appeal, Memphis, TN, October 3, 2013 and the artist estate’s website:  www.misteredwards.com 

PROVENANCE: Arkansas Museum of Fine Arts Foundation.

CONDITION: Overall very good condition, with some scratches to frame.