Notes

After completing his art studies in London and Paris, Laubscher returned to Cape Town in 1950. In 1953 he was persuaded by Maurice van Essche and George de Leon to take over the Continental Art School in Dean Street, Cape Town, which he renamed the ‘Contemporary School of Art’. Stanley Pinker and Alexander Podlashuc were students at the school. Although it was popular, well attended and it hosted many successful exhibitions, it could not support Laubscher and his growing family financially. In 1955, an opportunity arose to take a job as a ‘colour consultant’ at a Plascon Paint shop. This offered Laubscher a steady income and the freedom to paint what he wanted to rather than painting to make sales.

During this time, Laubscher painted the present lot, Harbour Construction, with striking yellow sky and vibrant orange, contrasted with green and black, making a structurally appealing composition that reflects the artists interest in structured pictorial form. However, the subject of this piece is unusual, one of very few harbour scenes Laubscher painted during this time, and perhaps it represents new beginnings and reflects the new direction taken in the artist’s professional life.

Literature

Hans Fransen (2009) Erik Laubscher: A Life in Art, Stellenbosch: SMAC ART Gallery, illustrated in colour on page 64.