This is an unusual Douglas MacDiarmid painting, a small glimpse of everyday Caribbean life in the French West Indies seen from an unconventional aspect. Also known as Baillif II, after the village in which Douglas’ partner Patrick grew up on the island of Guadeloupe, it shows his mother Lucienne looking out of her house at youngsters playing. Douglas was enthralled by the brilliant light, the dark indolent gestures; the luxury of pure air and water offset by the rich, chaotic rhythm of Créole community life.
CAPTION : Figures in doorway, Guadeloupe 1975 Oil on canvas 92 x 65 cm, James Wallace Arts Trust collection, Auckland
Douglas and Patrick built a cottage on the other side of the courtyard as their second home and visited often. Baillif was the perfect escape from big city European living, and became the subject of many memorable paintings – including a series depicting village life from the inside looking out. Several of these vivid paintings found their way into New Zealand collections. Compared to other ramshackle dwellings in the village, their simple little house seemed rather grand. Certainly the structure had been purpose designed from the best materials for a tropical climate, instead of whatever was at hand, so was immediately dubbed ‘Le Petit Palace’ by the locals.
