Small Mid-Century Modern Vintage Pastel Drawing on Paper, Signed by French Artist SAOZI

This gorgeous vintage Abstract pastel is by French artist Odette Helene Sable-Zilbermann (b.1924-2022), who also went by the name SAOZI in mid-century France.

Saozi, born in 1924 in Toulouse, had a dynamic childhood marked by living in various cities, including Madrid, Bordeaux, Monaco, and finally Nice, where her family settled. A prodigious talent, she began taking art classes at the young age of 9 at the EMAP Villa Thiole under Madame Trachel. Her artistic prowess was further nurtured at her high school in Nice, where she caught the attention of Miss Maliver, a sculptor and student of Bourdelle.

After completing her initial studies, Saozi enrolled at the Ecole des Arts Décoratifs in Nice before moving to Paris to attend the Ecole des Beaux-Arts and several other prestigious workshops. Her art is characterized by a deep sense of introspection, patience, balanced compositions, a delicate palette, and an ethereal fluidity. Her works often evoke poetry and medieval legends, marked by distinctive graphics and harmonious colorism, transforming reality into a metaphysical exploration of graphic art, poetry, anguish, and hope.

Saozi's career flourished with several exhibitions in Paris and worldwide acclaim. She returned to the Côte d'Azur in 1987, settling in Vence, where she continued to develop her art. In 1992, she founded the Art Vencia Association, bringing together many renowned artists from the Côte d'Azur. The summer of 1994 saw the Galerie Duteurtre of the VAAS Art Center dedicating an exhibition to her. Concurrently, she inaugurated the VAAS Art Center's drawing and painting school, offering high-level academic art courses. Her work can be found in both private and public collections such as the Fondation Jeanne Mattosian in Brussels.

This small pastel is in very good condition, still retaining excellent vibrancy and clarity. Dating approximately from the early 1960s, the artist has initialed the bottom right of the piece. 

All artwork comes professionally framed in a classic gallery style moulding, with a 4" archival, acid-free mat and Acrylite Conservation Glazing, filtering out 99% of harmful UV light. The frame is available in 4 finishes upon checkout, with additional mat and frame options available upon request.