Sarachi as a painter Chatin Sarachi

sarachi s , kokoschka s studio in stratford road

chatin sarachi first went england on diplomatic mission in 1933. in fact, occupation of albania italian army coincides chatin s position first secretary of albanian embassy in london, became well-known painter. within few years had decided remain in london , gave diplomatic career concentrate on painting.

in 1939 sarachi met great expressionist artist oskar kokoschka. kokoschka became close friend , admirer of sarachi constant influence on work. shared kensington studio in stratford road, not far pride gallery, , worked leaving witness of friendship, many drawings , paintings of each other.

in press of period, name mentioned among best representatives of english impressionism, including oscar kokoschka. landscapes, still lifes, , flower paintings of sarachi, exude vibrant quality strictly personal use of colour , tone, achieved through mastery of watercolors , pastels. in addition, delicate line drawings indicate sarachi influenced oriental art.

sarachi s first personal exhibition held in aftermath of second world war (1945) @ redfern gallery, in london. in folder advertising exhibition there written phrase: miracles can still happen in slaughterhouse of agony, crime , corruption best describes our world. message paintings of chatin sarachi express. think suitable work , personality .

kokoschka, oskar. chatin sarachi - london, 1959

on catalogue of exhibition, among other things, kokoschka states:

contemporary painter whom larger public has not yet become acquainted make own decision of thinks message, contained in work, greet him morning star.
in oils , drawings exhibited chatin sarachi here work of former diplomat whom 1 mighty moment has blessed. who, @ sudden, reminded of time when, child, trod rude shore , bare ground of native albania.

this first exhibition followed other two, in mid fifties. fourth, commemorating one, fifty of best paintings opened in 1975. included drawings, oil , water paintings, of landscapes, still lives, , several portraits. in opening of exhibition j.p. hodin concludes saying chatin sarachi …was friend, elaborate artist , 1 of colourful personalities ever known. liked high life but, @ same time, introspective. had great artistic ambitions little interest in criticism . on years, sarachi participated in several group shows , had regular 1 man exhibitions in london, paris , dublin.

the last exhibition of work held @ pride gallery in london in 1988. today, work of chatin considered closely connected expressionism although knowledge , appreciation included influences of japanese , chinese painters. influence can noticed quite in of masterpieces, flower paintings.