The Wiz (Universal, 1978), Alternate Poster Final Key Art by Bob Peak. ...

Description

The Wiz (Universal, 1978), Alternate Poster Final Key Art by Bob Peak. Updating the beloved tale to reflect the decade that followed widespread gains in civil rights and an increasing melding of cultures and races in cities across the country, Sidney Lumet's adaptation of the Broadway play re-envisioned The Wizard of Oz with an all-Black cast and a modern setting. Ultimately these creative choices did not lead to the critical or commercial success its creators had envisioned for it, though it would later find its audience as a cult classic. Luckily, however, design of the poster was entrusted to Bob Peak, who was then arriving at the height of his artistic powers, all of which are on display for the alternate poster final key art seen here. This time working on canvas with gouache and watercolor, the central illustration is confined to the lower third of the canvas, as the four main characters march down the yellow brick road towards Emerald City, here evocative of a contemporary American cityscape. Peak employs a rich palette of greens, oranges, and yellows with splashes of red, purple, and blue to create the sparkling horizon glimmering off the waters around the city and some added flair to the dark sky. Perhaps the most striking part of this artwork is the film's title treatment, rendered in large, rounded shapes and bold primary colors taking up almost two-thirds of the canvas. A yellow apple hangs just above the city's skyscrapers, adding a final dash of playfulness to the scene. On stretched canvas measuring 34" x 41.5". Exhibits signs of handling and wear, including smudges, soiling, and rubbing to the top white quadrant and some rubbing to the corners. The poster image is for reference only and is not included with this lot. Comes with a COA from Heritage Auctions.

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