Robert Griffiths Hodgins (South African, 1920-2010) Balancing Act: a triptych (2003) bottom panel titled, signed and dated (verso) oil on canvas each panel 91.5 x 122cm (36 x 48 1/16in). (3) Footnotes: Provenance Acquired from Simon Mee Fine Art, London in 2003. Exhibited London, Simon Mee Fine Art, Robert Hodgins, September 2003. 'There are paintings that stem from memory and from a sombre look at the human condition. Paintings about the construction and confusion of contemporary urban life, but also paintings about the pleasures of being alive, pleasures that crowd in upon the pessimism everywhere - that crowd in and refuse to be ignored' (Robert Hodgins, Goodman Gallery, 2000). This triptych, with its vibrant colours and playful composition, perfectly communicates the joys of existence. Looking at the orange, red, and yellow hues, one can almost feel the sun one's face. The comic incongruity of the precariously balanced acrobat in his crisp business suit is a reminder that life's absurdity is something to be celebrated; we should not fall into the trap of taking ourselves too seriously. This drive to find fun, to seek pleasure, was partly born out of the artist's experiences during the Second World War. He joined the South African Union Defence Force in 1940, and saw active service in Kenya and Egypt before being discharged. At the end of the war, he returned to London. This gloomy period, with rationing still in full force and many in mourning, continued to inform his outlook for the rest of his life. One should not take beauty for granted; it should be savoured. Hodgins painted Balancing Act at the age of 83. The impressive scale and energy of the piece reveal a man determined to live life to the full, even in his twilight years. Bibliography S.Fraser, ed. Robert Hodgins, (Cape Town, 2002), pp.12-13. For further information on this lot please visit Bonhams.com