<b>SELF-PORTRAIT</b>Varvara Bubnovac. 1950</em>

Details

Bubnova was a Russian avant-garde modernist artist who worked with Wassily Kandinsky, Robert Falk, Lyubov Popova, Varvara Stepanova, and Alexander Rodchenko. In 1923 she moved to Japan, where she lived until 1958. During her time there, Bubnova mainly worked in watercolor and lithography. 

Though Bubnova was steeped in Russian avant-garde modernism, she became a student of Japanese art with a particular interest in ukiyo-e and suibokuga (sumi ink wash painting). Bubnova’s artistic vision was tempered by her studies resulting in the creation of her own black-and-white zinc lithographic process. The Russian artist’s style drew closer to the subtleties of the Japanese tradition but retained her own voice. Bubnova became known as one of the leading lithographic printmakers in Japan. Her artwork was the first to showcase the entire spectrum of what was possible in lithography. As a result, Bubnova influenced a great number of Japanese artists, which drew them closer to Western artistic ideas and Russian avant-gardism. Her work had such a significant impact on Japanese art that she was awarded the Japanese Order of the Precious Crown by the Japanese Emperor.

This magnificent self-portrait was executed in the last years of Bubnova’s stay in Japan. The design depicts the artist at around the age of 65. Her eyes meet the viewer head-on with artistic fervor, but the intensity of her gaze softens around her face. Her expression conveys an understanding that comes with experience and time, perhaps even patience that was awarded from her stay in Japan. The remainder of the composition is worked over in tones of black. One can see the influence of sumi-e and the Japanese calligraphic brush throughout the composition, particularly in the background’s black wash. Her highly detailed and natural features: wrinkles, unkempt hair, and all contribute to the portrait’s realism and emotional impact. 

Connoisseur's Note

This exceedingly rare work was self-produced by the artist. Though the print lacks a notation on the edition, the rarity of the design suggests only a handful of impressions were made. Most likely, this design was produced with the intention of being a gift, as was the case with this impression. This work was given to the art critic, historian, and journalist, Elise Grilli.