AUSTIN OSMAN SPARE (BRITISH, 1886-1956)
No.35 Dream Content: "As if" Adumbrations
signed with initials 'aos' (lower left) and inscribed 'Dream Content: "As if" Adumbrations/No.35' (verso)
oil and ink on gesso prepared board
30.4 x 30.4 cm. (12 x 12 in.)

Provenance
With Archer Gallery, London, where purchased by M Stern, thence by family descent

Austin Osman Spare was an artist, writer and occultist. He is known for his unique artistic style, heavily influenced by art nouveau and symbolism, and for his involvement in esoteric and occult practices. Spare's work spans various mediums, including drawing, painting, and writing.

Spare gained recognition as a precocious artist at a young age. He studied at the Royal College of Art in London but found himself at odds with the academic system and the prevailing art movements of his time. He developed his own distinctive style characterized by intricate and often eerie line drawings, symbol-laden imagery, and a fascination with the occult.

In addition to his artistic pursuits, Spare was deeply involved in the occult and esoteric traditions. He developed his own system of magic called ‘Zos Kia Cultus’ and was associated with various esoteric groups, including the Hermetic Order of the Golden Dawn. Spare's esoteric practices and writings explored themes such as self-transformation, the unconscious mind, and the intersection of art and magic.

Spare's influence on the art world was initially limited during his lifetime, but his work gained posthumous recognition and became highly regarded within certain circles. His art and ideas have influenced subsequent generations of artists, occultists, and writers, particularly within the realms of surrealism, symbolism, and the occult revival.

Austin Osman Spare's legacy continues to be celebrated and studied today for his unique artistic vision, his contributions to occult philosophy, and his exploration of the subconscious. His artistic and esoteric practices remain influential and continue to inspire individuals interested in the intersection of art, spirituality, and beyond.