Sue ** Dennis Mukai Canvas. 1986

Sue, 1986 Original Acrylic on Canvas
DM-673, Signed and dated lower right. 44″h x 28″w
Provenance: D .Gennaro Gallery Santa Monica

Shortly after Dennis Mukai's dear friend Patrick Nagel died in February 1984, Mukai who also was represented by Karl Bornstein at Mirage decided to completely change his style in order to stay clear of the "copycat" labels so many artists were getting at the time.

Mukai for years had been creating an aesthetic close to his friend Pat but definitely his own, but now Pat was no longer around and peaking in that style, which he only was destined to forever be associated with, so it seemed necessary to transition away from it altogether. Dennis Mukai began to create a much looser gestural style that would ultimately be the style for which he would became Internationally known. This is one of those very first few canvas in 86' and the only one I have seen with a paint wrap around like Nagel. (Fun fact: Nagel also loved to paint with purple and yellow)

Provenance : I am only the second owner and I purchased this gem directly from the Gennaro family that still had it in their collection since 1986. The Gennaro Gallery was widely known to sell Patrick Nagel and Dennis Mukai works. Many Nagel collectors might know the Dianne Gennaro name for the famous Nagel Commemorative #9 serigraph printed for their gallery (aka Rio 2).

I am finally getting around to posting more 80s artwork. If you are interested in this canvas or more info on Mukai please inquire. It is not actively for sale, but I might consider the right offer. I BUY MUKAI! I also run PatrickNagelArts on IG and other social media. Want a Nagel? I am your go to!