Lot Essay
This painting was executed after Hendra's release from prison in 1978. The psychological intensity of his earlier work done in prison is less obvious in the present lot. Here instead, there is a sense of excitement and enjoyment as women and children gather at a fish market by the sea, haggling and gossiping. Big operatic gestures of the women coupled with the Hendra's expressionistic palette produce an atmosphere of festivity, one which was often absent in the previous paintings.
Women were a subject which Hendra favoured. His rendering of the female subject usually showed them to be wonderfully expressive, with long graceful arms, curvy voluptuous figures and very individualistic facial features. All this can be observed in Fish market on the beach where the women take on roles of trade (fish vendors) and domesticity (mother).
Women were a subject which Hendra favoured. His rendering of the female subject usually showed them to be wonderfully expressive, with long graceful arms, curvy voluptuous figures and very individualistic facial features. All this can be observed in Fish market on the beach where the women take on roles of trade (fish vendors) and domesticity (mother).