Letter with Original Lam's Sketch

WIFREDO LAM (Sagua, 1902 – Paris, 1982)

Together with René Portocarrero, Lam is not only the major Cuban artist but also the first colored artist of art historiography. Member of “Niggerism" movement. Lam’s style is the result of his frequent travels: primitive graffiti with clear Cubist influences in a Surrealist mood.

L.T.S. (Lettre Tapée Signée) , Typewritten Signed Letter with Original black ink Sketch by W.Lam to N.Jacometti. Paris, 3rd August 1953. With ending autograph notes at the hand of Nesto Jacometti. 21 x 13.5 cm. In French . Excellent condition , except a slightly torn low left edge and two loop holes after the Jacometti’s catalogue.

Letter of Greetings and Apologies after having missed an appointment with the famous art graphic collector and editor Nesto Jacometti. Lam informs his friend he’s achieving 4 etchings to illustrate a René Char’s book.  He signed “ Ton amie” . With Original black ink sketch with fantastic animal as subject. Ending autograph notes at the hand of Jacometti, points out the artist’s domicile in Paris: “Maison Cuba, Cité Universitaire” , not far from his atelier.

The background:

From Cuba, the “ bananas Republic ” troubled by Batista’s coup d’etat and after Fidel Castro’s arm insurrection, Lam moves to Paris, where he can get back to work: he achieves some etchings to illustrate R. Char’s aphorism book, for “ À la santé du serpent” collection, published by Broder. He takes part to the Surrealist reunions, collectives and Automatism practice, without ever joing the movement.

Reference:

http://www.wifredolam.net/it/cronologia/1951-1962.html https://www.guggenheim.org/artwork/artist/wifredo-lam