Simulated Portrait 1990



Synthetic polymer paint on canvas, 175.3 x 134.6
Signed, dated and titled [on reverse]
Collection of Ken West

Like Arkley’s generic ‘Zappo Head’, this face confronts humanity with its own strangeness.

The 1990 ‘Head Show’ invitation (copies in Arkley archive) comprised a reproduction with cut-out eyes and nose, forming a mask; the artist’s files also contain a photo of guests wearing these masks at the opening of the show; and for a photo of Arkley himself wearing one, see Spray 98.

Provenance

  • Private collection, Melbourne
  • Acquired by present owner from the above, 2008

Exhibited

  • HA Tolarno 10/90 (‘The Head Show’), cat.2
  • HA retrospective 2006-7 (Melbourne & Brisbane)
  • HA TarraWarra 12/15-2/16 (details as above; ill.)

Literature

  • Carnival 182 and Fig.6.28