Vortex 1981



Synthetic polymer paint on canvas, 161.5 x 161.7

Signed, dated and titled [on reverse: ‘Howard Arkley 81 / Vortex’]

Private collection, Brisbane

The authors of Spray comment on the complex blend of Op Art and domestic references here, citing the main source as an Amish quilt book Arkley recalls buying in New York. Ray Edgar, speaking on the audio-guide for the Arkley retrospective in 2006, pointed to the contradictory range of influences involved, from Mondrian to feminism.

The painting was shown in both HA Tolarno 7/81 and Solander 10/81 (see archive photos).

Provenance

  • recorded in current coll.in NGVA Arkley retrospective files 2006

Exhibited

  • HA Tolarno 7/81, cat.3
  • HA Solander 10/81, cat.1
  • HA Quentin 2/85, cat.2
  • HA Monash 1991, cat.38 (details as above)
  • HA retrospective 2006-7 (shown at all 3 venues)

Literature

  • Spray 36-7 (as cited above; inc.ill.)
  • NGVA Arkley audio-guide 2006 (comments by John Gregory, Lily Mae Martin & Ray Edgar)