Red Wedge [#1] 1981 [W/P]



Synthetic polymer paint on paper, 68.0 x 96.0 

signed, dated and titled [insc.l.r., below image: ‘Howard Arkley 81’; and verso: ‘Title Drawing for a Carpet 81 (April) / Howard Arkley’]

Collection unknown [last auctioned March 2024]

This work was first exhibited in Arkley’s ‘Recent Works’ show at Tolarno, 4-25 July 1981, as one of several works on paper related to Logitex (a hooked rug) (1981) [3/M].

The composition of the present work echoes that of the rug, but with variant details and a somewhat different colour scheme. Later in 1981 (16 Oct.-1 Nov.), the drawing was shown again, this time on its own, in Arkley’s solo exhibition at the Solander Gallery, Canberra, under the title ‘Redwedge.’

See also Red Wedge [#2] 1981 [W/P], a variant first shown in Arkley’s 1991 Monash University survey exhibition, and Untitled [Red Wedge study] (1981?) [W/P].

NB the present work was first listed in this catalogue as Redwedge [#1] 1981 [W/P], incorrectly including a photograph of the variant shown at Monash in 1991 (and some details relating to that version). For the ID photo and revisions included here I am grateful to Clementine Retallack, Menzies Art Brands [revised entry, Dec.2023/March 2024].

Provenance

  • Artist’s collection
  • Private collection, Melbourne (gift from the artist, c.1985/6?)
  • Thence by descent, private collection, Melbourne
  • Auctioned by Menzies, Melbourne, 27 March 2024, lot 104 (details and ill.as shown here; est.$12-18,000; sold for $13,500 + B/P)

Exhibited

  • HA Tolarno 7/81, as a component of cat.no.11:  ‘Red Wedge (carpet and drawings’)
  • Solander 10/81, cat.12 (as ‘Redwedge’)