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The full title of this painting is "Harry Dancing around the Tree of Life with the Moon on his Shoulder" and was the second of two works (see "Requiem for a Friend") Hodnett dedicated to his long-time friend and mentor Michael Hallier, Professor and Head of Fine Art at Fort Hare University in Alice, South Africa.  Known for his Joie de Vivre and independent life style, Hallier loved dancing and lived life to the full. "Harry" refers to the nickname given to Michael Hallier by his closest friends.

The painting was completed soon after Hallier was diagnosed with lung cancer and signified an expression of expectation and hope. Michael Hallier died the following year in July 2001.

In this painting, the tree of life and the moon in the landscape - all the elements so important to both Hodnett and his friend, are brought together in a celebration of life. 

Signed lower right.  Size: 137 cm. x 120 cm.  -  54 in. x  47 in.

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