Henri Maïk “Lion” Oil on Canvas, France, 1967

Henri Hecht Maïk (b. 1922-d. 1993, France) oil on canvas signed and dated ’67. A self proclaimed ‘Primitive painter,’ Maik constructed dreamscapes by adding a playfulness to jungle imagery (namely, beastly animals and their surroundings).
This example portrays a lion gazing at a deer. Maik’s fondness for jungle animals, considered menacing to most, allowed him to depict them in such a benevolent light. Through these depictions, the viewer is given a unique insight into an outsider artist’s interpretation / understanding of his subject.

In 1964, Wally Findlay Galleries recognized the talents of Maik and since have hosted exhibitions for the artist in New York, Palm Beach, Beverly Hills, Chicago, and Pennsylvania.
Maik has had been featured in countless important galleries and exhibitions, most notably, the Musée de l’Art Moderne, Paris featured him in 1966, 1967, and 1968 in an exhibition of sacred art.
His painting are in the National Museum of Budapest, the Center of Contemporary and Experimental Art at Rebhoboth, Israel, The Musée d’art Naif de I’lle-de-France at Vicq, and the Musée de Colmar.

H 17.75″ x W 21.5″ x D 2″