Arabesque Face 1990



Synthetic polymer paint on canvas, 175.5 x 134.7

signed and dated [on reverse]

Monash University collection [1994-18]

This was the opening work in Arkley’s 1990 ‘Head Show’ at Tolarno.

Crawford & Edgar (Spray 101) discern the influence of Parisian doorways. However Juan Davila (cited in Carnival 182) recalls that Arkley’s main source was a Persian carpet design from a book in his (Davila’s) library.

Provenance

  • Acquired by Juan Davila by exchange with Arkley (1990)
  • Donated to Monash in 1994 (by Professor Graeme Smith), through the Australian Government’s Cultural Gifts Program

Exhibited

  • HA Tolarno 10/90, cat.1
  • Monash Uni.Gallery March-April 1999 (‘The Persistence of Pop’: as ‘Untitled’)
  • HA retrospective 2006-7 (all 3 venues)
  • HA TarraWarra 12/15-2/16 (details as above; ill.)

Literature

  • Spray 100-101 (inc.ill.)
  • Carnival 182 and Fig.6.27