Page 27 - Studio International - March 1966

many others. In 1955, five lithographs were inspired spiritual fate, rather than an affinity only. Soon after
by Werner Egk's opera, Irish Legend. During the this Kokoschka embarked on a new venture: Homer's
summers of 1953 and 1954, Kokoschka produced a Odyssey. (Its forty-five lithographs were created during
series of large drawings (nudes) ; in 1953, the eight 1964 and 1965 and cover the whole epos (Ganymed
sketches for his triptych Thermopylae; and in 1956 and Marlborough, London).)
sketches for Weber's opera Oberon. Stylistically no changes are noticeable from the
A new development sets in in the sixties. It will be previous opus of lithographs. They all bear the imprint
said of Kokoschka's later period that it was dominated of a great artist and are typical of Oskar Kokoschka's
by his graphic work even more than was his early period. personal experience. As he himself once said: 'Know-
In rapid succession the lithographs for the Apulian ledge born out of personal experience has inner
Journey (20 pieces), two portfolios of Hellas — A Greek credibility on its side. In an experience in which the
Journey (26 pieces, both Marlborough, London), the human detaches himself from the transient endless
Homer: The Odyssey 1965 lithographed illustrations for Shakespeare's King Lear existence, personal truth emerges. . . . The personal
Lithograph (16 pieces, Ganymed, London), saw the light of day truth which we call experience is comparable to an act of
22 1/2 x 15 1/2 in.
Courtesy (1961-64). The spirit of the Apulian series is serene. birth. The confession of this inner experience has a
Ganymed Original Editions Ltd and
The Hellas series again appears as a witness of a social function.' q
Marlborough Fine Art Ltd

Siren (Greek Journey) 1964
Lithograph
26 5/8 x 22 7/8 in.
Courtesy
Marlborough Fine Art Ltd