Description
Surreal Figure-Beni Kosh-1960s Surrealist Oil Painting
A framed oil painting on wood board by Beni E. Kosh, bornCharles Elmer Harris (1917-1993), titled Surreal Figure. The work is from theBeni Kosh Collection and bears the collection stamp on the verso.
Beni E. Kosh was a Cleveland-based African American artistwho worked across abstraction, figuration, social realism, surrealism, andmodernist composition. Born Charles Elmer Harris, he later changed his name toBeni E. Kosh, meaning “Son of Ethiopia,” in connection with his AfricanAmerican heritage. He studied with Paul Travis at the Cleveland Institute ofArt and was associated with the Sho Nuff Art Group and Karamu House. Kosh madevarious works connected to Cleveland, the Rust Belt, and African Americanheritage. His work was largely rediscovered near the end of his life and afterhis death.
This painting depicts a surreal figure within anarchitectural interior, with an arched form, window-like structure, expressivebrushwork, and a large eye-like facial element. The composition has a dreamlikeand symbolic quality, combining figural imagery with surrealist architecturalelements.
The painting is in poor condition. There are paint loss,cracking, scratches, surface wear, and age-related wear to the frame. The woodpanel has a crack at the lower right and damage on the lower edge. Framed.Please refer to the pictures for condition.
Details • Medium: Oil on wood board • Artist: Beni E. Kosh / Charles Elmer Harris • Title: Surreal Scene of Figure in Archway • Style: Surrealism / figural modernism • Marks: Beni Kosh Collection stamp and number 486 on verso • Date: 1960s • Provenance:
- Private collection, Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio
- Rachel Davis Fine Arts
• Framing: Framed • Dimensions: 25.75 x 12 in • Condition Report: Poor condition; paint loss, cracking, scratches, andsurface wear; wood panel has a crack at the lower right and damage on the loweredge; age-related frame wear; framed
Disclaimer I have conducted thorough research to ensure the accuracy and authenticity ofthis work to the best of my ability. However, it is sold as is, with noguarantees or warranties regarding its provenance or historical attribution.
