Untitled [‘Man looking onto cityscape’] (1994?)



Synthetic polymer paint on canvas, 170 x 130

Private collection, Brisbane

An unusual work, not least for including a figure in an architectural setting.

Alison Burton, who recalls the work, believes the date suggested in the 2006-7 retrospective (c.1988-90) is almost certainly too early, given the extensive use of stencilling, a feature of Arkley’s work particularly from 1992 onwards.

Possibly exhibited in Arkley’s 1994 solo show in Brisbane (Bellas Gallery), perhaps as Suburban Allegory (1994?).

One of the sources for this painting may be a photograph of the artist himself surveying the city of Melbourne, from Arkley’s Visual Diary D38 (c.1994-96?).

Provenance

  • Recorded in a Brisbane P/C in NGVA Arkley retrospective planning notes c.2006

Exhibited

  • (?) HA Bellas, Brisbane, 5/94 (‘Black & White Paintings and works on paper’): see comments above
  • HA retrospective 2006-7 (all 3 venues; as c.1988-90)