Untitled [‘Abstract’] 1981 [W/P]



Synthetic polymer paint on paper, 59.5 x 86

signed and dated [l.r., below image: ‘Howard Arkley 81’]

Collection: unknown

The style of this work is consistent with other examples from the same period, and the unusual pattern is the same as that featured in Ornamentik (1981) and Untitled [Ornamentik variant] (1981?). It may be identical with Figurative (1981) [W/P] as shown at Solander 10/81 (unidentified), although there are size discrepancies. It is unclear whether the title ‘Abstract’ is original.

Provenance

  • auctioned by Deutscher-Menzies, Melb., 24 Nov.1999, lot 16 (as ‘Abstract’; ill. and details as above; est.$5-7,000; sold for $5,200 plus buyer’s premium)
  • auctioned by Christie’s, Melb., 25 June 2002, lot 167 (again as ‘Abstract’; ill.and details as above; est.$6-8,000; sold for $6,000 plus buyer’s premium)
  • private collection, Sydney, 2002-2012
  • auctioned by Deutscher & Hackett, Sydney, 2 May 2012, lot 75 (once again as ‘Abstract’; ill. and details as above; est.$8-12,000; sold for $8,000 plus buyer’s premium)
  • auctioned by Leonard Joel, Melb., 22 March 2016, lot 115 (also as ‘Abstract’; ill. and details as above; est.$8-12,000; sold for $7,800 [$6,000 plus buyer’s premium])

Exhibited

  • (possibly) HA Solander 10/81: see comments above