Late 1940s-1950s, unsigned, gouache on paper, mounted to board. These are studies for paintings that appeared in early exhibitions at the Guggenheim, formerly the Museum of Non-Objective Painting, as well as exhibitions in Paris with The Art of Tomorrow group including Hilla Rebay, director of the Museum of Non-Objective Painting, and Rolph Scarlett, the museum's Chief Lecturer. Included is the artist's copy of Wassily Kandinsky's POINT AND LINE TO PLANE (New York: The Solomon Guggenheim Foundation, 1947), signed by Kendall and inscribed "Souvenir of a dash for balance," plus a later signature of art professor Everett Adelman.

Largest sheet approximately 8.5 x 11; all matted to 20.25 x 16 in.

From the Estate of Helen Lowe Kendall by descent to nephew Professor Everett Mayo Adelman

Helen L. Kendall studied under Arthur Wesley Dow before pursuing her own career in art education. She taught at Hampton Institute in Virginia, established by the American Missionaries Association to educate African Americans. Kendall's circle was divided between the Institute, where she was an influential teacher of John Biggers, and New York City, where she maintained a studio at Carnegie Hall with the groundbreaking African American soprano Dorothy Maynor, also a graduate of Hampton Institute. Many of Kendall's works, especially those exhibited at the Museum of Non-objective Painting (now the Guggenheim Museum), were reflections of musical compositions. She also was involved in the spiritual movements of theosophy and anthroposophy emanating from Switzerland. Kendall and fellow artist Rolph Scarlett were intimate companions, often working together in his studio. Several fine paintings and works on paper by Helen Kendall are in the collection of Hampton University, the majority of her works are in knowledgeable and private hands.

$400 - 600