Lot 164: - Halim Karabibene , Tunisian B. 1962 Untitled oil on canvas

signed and dated 05 oil on canvas

measurements note 120 by 120cm.; 47 1/4 by 47 1/4 in.

Karabibene's work is set against a fantasy world in which the viewer is plunged into an alien universe, with its own space and perspective. Untitled is a celebration of carnal pleasure with an emphasis on luxury but more importantly the ultimate quest for paradise. It is difficult not to drawn reference to sixteenth century Dutch artist Hierodymus Bosch, in particular Bosch's original painting staging half-human, half-animal creatures swimming amongst the surface. Both embrace metaphors, with a surface becoming a Pandora's Box of references, constantly allowing more narratives to be discovered.