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

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’)