José Antonio SISTIAGA (1932–2023) - Lot 27

José Antonio SISTIAGA (1932–2023) Composition, 1973 Oil pastel on Crescent board, signed and dated lower left. 102 x 81.5 cm (rubbing) Provenance: Artist’s collection, passed down through the family. Exhibitions: - Sistiaga, Pan American Health Organization, Washington, June 5–12, 1973. - Sistiaga, Downtown Gallery, New Orleans, May 20–June 9, 1973. A certificate of authenticity from the Art Sistiaga estate may be provided to the purchaser. From December 1972 to July 1973, Jose Antonio Sistiaga embarked on a cargo ship owned by his friend Ramon de La Sota, accompanied by his eldest son. During this long journey around the world, he began the “Pacifico” series. The first works were created using strips of paper that were cut and glued; later, Sistiaga began using pastel directly, without any corrections. His strip effects represent the undulating waves and the measured passages of time—two defining elements of a long sea voyage. These colorful waves are the result of a repeated and masterful gesture, evident in both the line and the intensity applied to the oil pastel. Following his Pacific crossing, this work was exhibited in 1973 at the Pan American Health Organization in Washington and at the Dowton Gallery in New Orleans.