Dean Howell Art Appraisal

Mokoliʹi (Chinaman's Hat) Surrealist Allegory by Dean Howell

This is a surrealist figurative painting on canvas dated 1983 by the artist Dean Howell. The composition depicts a cross-section of the ocean with the basalt islet Mokoliʹi, commonly known as Chinaman's Hat, situated on the horizon. Beneath the surface, the island is personified as a colossal, submerged figure of an elderly man with a long white beard, blending seamlessly into the underwater rock formations and corals. The figure is shown holding a bowl and chopsticks, with small marine life including a fish swimming nearby. The color palette is dominated by cool blues, cyans, and lavenders, with the figure rendered in earthy reddish-brown and mauve flesh tones. The lighting is notably dramatic, simulating shafts of sunlight penetrating the water's surface (crepuscular rays). As per the provided metadata, the piece is from 1983 and features a 'double signature.' The brushwork is expressive and fluid, utilizing layering to achieve the translucency of water. The item appears to be housed in a natural wood frame with an off-white mat. The condition appears stable with vibrant pigment retention, though a slight glare from the glass indicates it is currently under protective glazing. The level of anatomical detail in the sunken figure vs. the impressionistic treatment of the waves suggests a high level of technical craftsmanship and a thematic focus on Hawaiian folklore or personified landscapes.