Original Vintage Kostas Alex 1975 Signed, Titled, Dated & Framed Modern Absurdist "Man of the World" Mixed Media Collage

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Born: 1925 - Elizabeth, New Jersey
Died: 2005 - New York City
Known for: Collages and humorous larger than life-size … Read more Born:  1925 - Elizabeth, New Jersey
Died:   2005 - New York City
Known for: Collages and humorous larger than life-size head sculptures, found materials
From his "Man Wih A Hat'" Period
Original Collage
Title; "Man Of The World" (Lwr middle & verso)
Medium: Oil. cardboard, newsprint (Le Monde)
Signed & dated "1975" (Lwr rt. & verso)
Dimensions: 24.25" x 36.5" (Frame); 23.25" x 35" (Sight)
Painted wood frame
Very good condition

This striking modern three dimensional absurdist mixed media collage (oil, cardboard and newsprint from Le Monde) by the well listed American avant garde artist Kostas Alex depicts one of his iconic "heads" (from his "Man With A Hat" series. His name variants are:  Alex Costa, Alex Kosta, Kostas Alex, Konstantinos Alexopoulous, Alex Kosta, Kosta Alex). This piece has the "look' preferred by his collectors. Massive visual impact, a vibrant palette and outstanding composition combine to make a truly fine image.

Kostas Alex established an international reputation during the post-war years through his conviction to his extraordinary idiosyncratic vision, obsessively constructing these over life-size heads from found materials in an absurdist style comparable to the bizarre ironic and satirical collages of the Italian Enrico Baj.

In the early part of his career Kosta Alex made symbolic sculptures reminiscent of Surrealist stage sets. In 1947, obtaining a grant from the G.I. Bill, he decided to move to Paris, where he frequented the Académie de la Grande Chaumiere, whilst also working as a carpenter to support his career as an artist. Beginning in the 1950s he turned to abstract portraiture, a focus that culminated in his “Man with a Hat” series. This is one of the best, arguably the best, of that series.

Born in America, Kosta pursued creative endeavors that gained him an invitation to exhibit at the Whitney Museum in 1941. During the war he enlisted and spent time in Japan, after which he enrolled in the National Sculpture Service in New York.

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