Walter Spies 1895-1942 - Insect

This is an extremely beautiful watercolor by the Russian-born German artist Walter Spies, 1895-1942.
This watercolor is signed and dated 1922.
Famous and beloved among Balinese artists. He was also very hospitable and helpful to European tourists, making himself a kind of tourist attraction. He received a large number of foreign celebrities, such as the American film star Charlie Chaplin.

In 1938, everything changed for Walter. As part of a major crackdown on homosexuals, he was imprisoned for sexual acts with men under the age of 21. Such relationships were considered normal in Bali, but for the colonial authorities, they were a thorn in the eye. Walter remained optimistic: in prison, he could finally work undisturbed on his paintings. In prison, he painted, among other works, The landscape and his children, which many consider his masterpiece.

In mid-1939, Walter was released, but he couldn't enjoy his freedom for long. When Germany invaded the Netherlands on May 10, 1940, he, like most German and Austrian citizens, was interned. Walter was initially placed in an old fort in Ngawi and was transferred in August 1940 to Lawé-Sigalagala, in North Sumatra. From the camp, Walter maintained intensive communication with his friends, who sent him painting materials and music books. He made music with other internees, and painted and drew a lot. But he also got bored and complained that 'among all the hundreds of people, (...) only two and a half [are] capable of having a conversation or exchange of thoughts with that one.' This improved after he was moved to another block; there, much music was played and scientific lectures were held. On January 19, 1942, Walter died during the disaster with the Van Imhoff. Walter Spies's paintings are still highly valued for their unique blend of European, Euro-Asian, and Balinese techniques and themes, and for their dreamlike and real qualities.