Two Figures 1986



Synthetic polymer paint on canvas, 158 x 119

signed & dated [on verso]

Private collection, Melbourne

This canvas came to light during planning for the 2015 Arkley exhibition at the TarraWarra Museum of Art. The owner advises that it was bought from Tolarno Galleries in May 1986, apparently at a solo show (not yet certainly identified).

The imagery is obviously related to many of Arkley’s other cactoid compositions, most closely Untitled [Lanced Lace] 1983 [W/P]. As in Arkley’s other images of cacti from 1986 (such as Discocacti 1986), the background comprises two differently coloured fields, here given an unusually sketchy treatment. See also Untitled [‘Cacti and Succulents’] 1986.

Provenance

  • Purchased from Tolarno Galleries in 1986

Exhibited

  • (?) Tolarno Galleries, May 1986 (exhibition details uncertain)
  • HA TarraWarra 12/15-2/16

Literature

  • Fitzpatrick & Lynn, Howard Arkley and Friends (2015), p.91 (ill.)