Bunch Auctions to Spotlight 81 Oscar De Mejo Originals in December 8th Catalog

Paintings & Works on Paper from the Personal Collection of the Artist’s Wife

Open for Bidding from November 20 - December 8

Oscar DeMejo (Italian-American, 1911-1992) "The Siesta" or "The Dreamer", depicting a handsome young gentleman sleeping in a park, 1980

CHADDS FORD, Pennsylvania (November 26, 2020) – Bunch Auctions is proud to announce that 81 lots of original Oscar De Mejo artwork will be amongst the highlights of it’s Quarterly Catalog this December. The De Mejo collection will headline the fine art segment of the 500+ lot fine & decorative arts sale.

De Mejo was born in Trieste, Italy in 1911, immigrated to the United States in the 1940s, and passed away in New York in 1992. Oscar was a multifaceted artist - a talented jazz composer, a children’s book author and illustrator, but his passion lied in painting. He has left his footprints in the sands of surrealism, developing a distinct whimsical style anchored in the American Primitive. De Mejo’s visual tales of American History are waggish and witty. Rather than focusing on the period’s stream of social strife, he illustrates the characters of our history books in a quirky and jovial manner. His bold use of color, exaggerated proportions, and caricatural expressions leave us with playful perceptions of the past.

Oscar DeMejo (Italian-American, 1911-1992) "American Western Frontier" 1981, acrylic on canvas, signed upper left, 36" x 50" — Lot 50617: Oscar DeMejo (Italian-American, 1911-1992) "American Western Frontier," 1981

De Mejo has been coined the “Naive Surrealist,” the title of his biography written by Robert C. Morgan. Perhaps this is because of the unconscious innocence that fills his work, leaving his audience feeling lighthearted even when dealt with heavy subjects. As in example, such works as “The Revolt of Milano” [Lot 50658], depicting 3 Austrian soldiers being assaulted by citizens of Milan during the Five Days of Milan, the fairytale-like portrayal brightens up a dark piece of history.

Oscar DeMejo (Italian-American, 1911-1992) "The Revolt of Milano" depicting 3 Austrian soldiers being assaulted by citizens of Milan during the Five Days of Milan, 1974 — Lot 50658: Oscar DeMejo (Italian-American, 1911-1992) "The Revolt of Milano," 1974

Each of Oscar’s works is a beautiful balancing act between the literal and the uncanny. Each brushstroke is thoughtful, and paints the picture of both his humor and his intellect.

Oscar de Mejo's works have been featured in such publications as: American Heritage, Architectural Digest, Art Today, Sciences, Harpers, International Economy, Town and Country, MD Magazine, Vogue Magazine, Die Kunst (Germany), Oggi and Graza (Italy), Yale Literary Magazine, Penthouse, Travel & Leisure and the New York Times.