Artwork
'Pin-up' girl with pink hair wearing a black lace slip
'Pin-up' girl with pink hair wearing a black lace slip is a watercolor work on paper by the Art Brut artist Wilfrid R. Addey. It dates from 1944 and is held in the collection of the Victoria and Albert Museum. This watercolour depicts a pin-up girl with pink hair, wearing a black lace slip, sitting on the floor and gazing over her shoulder.
About this work
Overview
This watercolour depicts a pin-up girl with pink hair, wearing a black lace slip, sitting on the floor and gazing over her shoulder. Created by Wilfrid R. Addey, a commercial artist active in London, it exemplifies the playful and bold style characteristic of his work.
Subject & Meaning
The pin-up girl, shown in profile with her back to the viewer, embodies the feminine ideal of the 1940s, with her slender figure, thin eyebrows, and defined lips. Her pose and attire, including black stockings and suspenders, contribute to the image's sensual and alluring atmosphere.
Technique & Style
Addey's use of watercolour captures the soft, pink light surrounding the figure, which reflects off her hair. The illustration's style, marked by bold lines and vibrant colour, is typical of commercial art from the late 1940s, reflecting the artistic trends of the post-war period.
History & Provenance
Wilfrid R. Addey created this work during his long career as a commercial artist in London, where he worked for various advertising firms, including Dorland Advertising and Mitchells. The piece is representative of his output during the late 1940s.
Context
This watercolour is a product of the post-war boom in advertising, a period that saw a significant increase in commercial art production. Addey's work, including this piece, reflects the era's emphasis on vibrant and engaging visual styles.
Artist & collection
Artist
Wilfrid R. Addey made spare, ink-and-watercolor snapshots of mid-century America. His sheet shows a late-1940s pin-up in a purple bikini with a lit cigarette, quick lines catching the pose and the glow of a club lamp.…
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