Frank Hodgkinson (1919-2001) is quoted as saying “the best of abstraction is rooted in reality,” and certainly that remains the case here. Hodgkinson was a prominent Australian artist with a rich background of world travel who is represented in galleries and museums the world over. He drew inspiration from everything he saw and believed in the experience of life. Here, Hodgkinson traveled to the Arnhem Land escarpment, a sacred sight for Australia’s Aboriginal peoples. For them, the Lightning Dreaming centers around Namarrkon (also spelled Namarrgon), the powerful ancestral Lightning Man who governs the violent monsoon storms of the tropical wet season. When timed correctly, the waters of the monsoon reflect sections of the 500km long cliff face. To capture this monumental moment, Hodgkinson opted for a monumental canvas coupled with his trademark handling of oil paints as if they were water colors. Absolutely brilliant. - Pieces of his in this size are very uncommon, and much of his work now rests in private collections and museums. Top sales record for a painting at auction is $23,000 (Christie’s). Average prices realized for major works are $7000-14,000. - Sight: 112” x 50”h