Curvilinear with Grid 1978



Synthetic polymer paint on canvas, 203 x 78.5

signed, dated and titled [on reverse: ‘Curvilinear with Grid / 78 / H Arkley’]

Coll.: unknown [last auctioned Oct.2023]

According to Spray, this painting, included in both Arkley’s solo ‘door’ shows in 1979 and 1980, referenced sewing patterns, and ‘incorporated I Ching symbols from embroidered textiles’ that Arkley had seen at the Met in New York.

The curves play against the squared grid with considerable subtlety here, suggesting particularly clear parallels with suburban screen doors: see Photographs of Australian flywire screen doors (c.1978-80) [3/M].

Provenance

  • Tolarno Galleries, Melbourne
  • Private collection, Melbourne (possibly purchased from the above, 1980?)
  • auctioned by Leonard Joel, Melb., 24 Oct.2023, lot 16 (ill., details as shown above); est.$35-40,000; sold for $30,000 + B/P ($36,818)

Exhibited

  • HA Tolarno 5/79, cat.5 (as Curvilinear-Grid)
  • HA Coventry 3/80, cat.4
  • HA Monash 1991, cat.15 (as 203.6 x 78.6; sd+t verso)

Literature

  • Spray 31-2 (as quoted under comments above), and 33 (ill.)