MARCEL DZAMA "MIND GAMES" WATERCOLOR, 1996

Marcel Dzama is one of the most successful contemporary Canadian artists, beloved for his unmistakable version of Surrealism. Born in Winnipeg in 1974, Dzama achieved an international reputation by the time he was 30. As one of the founding members of the Royal Art Lodge in the 1990s, Dzama contributed to the renaissance of figurative art both in Canada and beyond. Dzama's works are instantly recognizable for their subject and style. He presents seemingly banal characters or scenes and injects them with menacing, eerie, or twisted details, flirting with the absurd. One of Dzama's earliest works, this scene is classic Dzama in its mix of mystery and familiarity. It is unclear whether the woman is putting the puzzle-pieces of the man's head back together, or taking them apart ... Mysterious and only hinting at a narrative, this simple scene encourages viewers to engage deeply with the surreal elements presented, as they attempt to weave together a tangible explanation. Dzama's work can be found in a host of prestigious public and private collections including Paris' Centre Georges Pompidou, The Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York, the MoMA, Le Musée d’art contemporain de Montréal. He is particularly favored by celebrity collectors including Brad Pitt, Jim Carrey and Steve Martin. Questions about this piece? Questions about this artwork? Contact us, call +1.416.704.1720, or visit our Toronto gallery. "Mind Games" Canada, 1996 Watercolor and ink on paper Signed recto; Signed, titled, and dated "dec/96" verso 14“H 10.5”W (sheet) 18"H 14.25"W (framed) Very good condition Note: This work is from Dzama's first show in LA at Richard Heller Gallery in 1998, consisting of 500 drawings of this size and style.