Throughout his career, Charles Blackman was recurrently interested in those overlooked by society. He conceived of his schoolgirl series while living in Hawthorn watching the migration of pupils. In this so-thought benign population, he saw a metaphor for cultural innocence, its sublimation of unease and loneliness.

In ‘Stepping Out’, Blackman turns his attention to a young woman. She is all dolled up - mini-dress, high heels and fishnet stockings - yet appears at ill-ease. There is tension between her outward appearance and demeanor, reminiscent of the gap between our internal and external realities. The naivety of youth collides with sexuality.

Blackman’s portrait of this young woman is considered. He does not treat her as frivolous, but rather a subject with an ambiguous, rich inner life. For collectors of portraits and Blackman, ‘Stepping Out’ is a beautiful find.
 

Charles BLACKMAN (1928 - 2018)
'Stepping Out'
etching on paper
Image Size: 20 x 15 cm
Dimensions: 51 x 34 cm
Signed: Signed, titled and editioned below image.
Comes with Letter of Provenance
 
Condition: Very Good: Describes a work of art’s image as Excellent, but may show some small signs of surrounding wear. There are no tears to paper margin or disruption to paint surface. Image is in Fine condition.
 
(c) Charles Blackman / Copyright Agency