By Walter Battiss
1965
Standard First Edition.

Inscribed by Battiss to the famous gallerist Natalie Knight.
The cartouche design also by Battiss.

Walter Whall Battiss (6 January 1906 – 20 August 1982) was a South African artist, also known as the creator of the "Fook Island" concept.

Battiss was also a founding member of the New Group, a loose friendship of recognized contemporary European and American artists. He was unique among them, in the sense that he was from what were then regarded as the colonies and in that he had not studied in either Europe or North America. In fact, in 1938 he visited Europe for the first time. The following year, he published his first book, The Amazing Bushman. His interest in rock art had a very profound impact on his ideas, regarding San painting as an important art form. He was also influenced by African cultural Ndebele beadwork and generally by pre-Islamic cultures and calligraphy.

In 1949 he befriended Picasso who would have an influence on his style.

Natali Knight started her gallery in Hyde Park, Johannesburg and exhibited the likes of Andy Warhol, David Hockney and William Kentridge. Knight was also the curator of several shows honouring Nelson Mandela.

Sellotape marks and tears to dust jacket.

243mm x 310mm x 21mm

R7,500