36

MIRKA MORA (1928-2018)
The Flying Hobyahs 1966
ink on paper
signed, dated and titled lower centre: mirka at Tolarno on the river darling 3.6.66 the flying hobyahs for Barrie
14 x 19cm
together with a card and two letters from the artist; a signed copy of Mirka Mora: Wicked But Virtuous My Life; a Heide exhibition brochure and an exhibition catalogue, Mirka Mora: Works 1957-1987, William Mora Galleries, signed and inscribed by the artist


  • Provenance: PROVENANCE:
    The Collection of Shelton Lea

    OTHER NOTES:
    In the current auction we have a series of compelling archival materials and artworks that intertwine with the history of Heide; the iconic and influential home of John & Sunday Reed. Through their philanthropy mentorship, they created a community of like-minded individuals who also embodied the bohemian lifestyle. This artist's refuge nurtured and encouraged Melbourne's modern art and literature movements to push boundaries and fight against mediocrity. The growth of this community brought in a number of interesting artists and figures that are still prominent today, the connection that brings these people together is evident through a series
    of letters amongst poems, photographs and ephemera which are included in lots, 34, 35
    and 31 from the estate of poet and vagabond Shelton Lea (1946-2005). This collection of
    correspondence spans the poet's entire life, including inscribed books, postcards and
    letters from notable Australian artist Mirka Mora, literary man Barrett Reid and Indigenous
    bantamweight boxer Lionel Rose (Lot 35).

    From her arrival to Melbourne in 1951 Mirka Mora's rebellious spirit and liberal attitudes to life and love made her a beacon for other bohemian types. Mirka and her husband Georges Mora soon integrated themselves with the Heide gang of spirited individuals. Bird Dreaming, 1967 (Lot 32) captures the influences and lyricism of the time. The painting exemplifies hallmark characteristics of Mirka Mora's beloved imagery of her whimsical anthropomorphic creatures. Another medium that emerged from this time was Mirka's iconic soft sculpture dolls which epitomised her nostalgia for childhood. Mirka possessed an unwavering childlike innocence and playful energy that was simply infectious to be around. In a 1999 interview, she said 'I love being a child. I still haven't grown up.'(1)

    Boy (Lot 37) and Mermaid (Lot 33) are two excellent examples of her much-loved dolls. After two exhibitions of the dolls in the early 70s Mirka decided to predominantly keep the dolls in her studio as part companion, muse and comfort. They continue to be received with great enthusiasm and heart amongst collectors and museums today. Shelton Lea returned to Melbourne in 1966 after a quick exit from NSW due to one too many run-ins with the local law enforcement. He crashed at friend, and sculptor Joel Elenberg's place in Gore Street, Fitzroy.(2)
    Elenberg quickly introduced him to the inner circle of Heide as a brilliant young poet. The Reeds and Barrett Reid offered an intellectual support network as Shelton had never experienced. arrett Reid, who was living at Heide at the time, took a keen interest in Shelton's work, becoming a mentor as well as a lifelong friend. The letters in Lot 34 to Shelton from Barrett Reid illustrate the deep connection they both had as intellectuals and friends. Barrett confessed later in life the deep love he had for his friend and protégé.(3)

    Lot 36 is a drawing by Mirka Mora titled The Flying Hobyahs 1966 accompanied by two intimate and playful letters from Mirka to Shelton. She writes of dreaming and sleep in her typically mischievous fashion and expressive handwriting. Both Mirka and Shelton were creative souls who had to carve their own path in life and art. They are people who have been present and active in their community and hence championed for their creative and intellectual generosity and lust for life. This series of wonderfully intimate letters and writings permits us a unique glimpse into the lives of some beloved and prominent figures in Melbourne's creative landscape.
    Sarah Garrecht

    1. David Langham, 'Mirka Mora's 50 years of art',
    The Australian Jewish News, Melbourne,
    1 Oct. 1999, p. 35
    2. Taylor Coventry & Robert Price, Documentary, The
    extraordinary life of Shelton Lea, 2009, 29:50 mins
    3. Phyllis Papps, 'Barrett Reid: a charismatic
    chameleon', The Latrobe Journal, No 87
    May 2011, p. 136
  • Condition: Drawing: The drawing is float mounted and unframed, exposing the entire sheet. Creasing throughout the paper and horizontal fold line across the middle section. Sporadic discolouration, staining/toning, scuffing and indentations to the edges. Overall the condition of this drawing is good and original.

    Book: The internal sleeves are primarily very clean and unstained, slight discolouration outer side of the pages, spine is has retained its strength. Slight scuffing to the hard cover and discolouration, further scuffing, indentations and small tears to the dust cover. Overall condition of this book is very good.

    Loose papers: Primarily very good condition, with some discolouration, folding and creasing.

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