Untitled [‘The Star’] 1973 [W/P]



Synthetic polymer paint on paper, 43.8 x 76.7

signed and dated [l.r. within image, in white ink: Arkley 73]

State Library of Victoria

This sheet provides clear evidence of Arkley’s early experimentation with air-brushing and stencilling.

The repeated stencilled words ‘The Star’ prompt the suggestion that this work may be identical with Reading (1973) [W/P], entered in the Caltex Drawing Biennial in 1973 (unidentified).

On the verso is an incomplete nude drawing in pencil, inscribed by Arkley: ‘Not by me / Not enough money for new paper’ (!).

Provenance

  • artist’s collection (no.A149)
  • P/C Melb.
  • State Library of Victoria, 2021