A twisted skein of umber coloured drapery comprises the central panel of this immaculately crafted work, flanked either side by brooding monochromes approaching black. Completed in the early nineties when the Australian painter found herself in New Zealand, there is perhaps some influence from the restrained palletes of McCahon, Fomison, or Hotere. Of course there is a strong feminist discourse and comparisons with modernist imagery from Judy Chicago or Georgia O Keefe are perhaps relevant. In any case this work stands on its own merit and the auction estimate (NZ $7000-15000) is reasonable. Works by Jude Rae fly occasionally below the market's radar. Nonetheless, her career's built on solid foundations, consistently attracting the serious recognition that outlives fashionable trends and conceit.
Price realised at auction: NZ $8,225