Metallic 1981



Synthetic polymer paint on canvas, 161 x 161.6

signed and dated [on reverse: ‘Howard Arkley 1981’]

Art Gallery of Western Australia, Perth [1989/0190]

This key painting is analysed in detail in both Spray, and Carnival, the latter analysing the intricacy of the optical effects in some detail, and noting the source as a book of Islamic patterns owned by Arkley.

The work figures prominently in installation photos from both 1981 exhibitions (Tolarno and Solander: Arkley archive) and HA Monash 1991 (Monash VA slides). Unfortunately, it could not be included in the 2006-7 Arkley retrospective because of reported damage.

Provenance

  • purchased by AGWA 1989

Exhibited

  • HA Tolarno 7/81, cat.6
  • HA Solander, Canberra, 10/81, cat.5
  • HA Monash 1991, cat.34 (details as above)

Literature

  • Spray 35 (ill.) and 38
  • Carnival 66-7 and Fig.2.13