Sold for: $40,250

PROVENANCE
Galerie Walter Klinkhoff Inc., Montreal
Acquired from the above by the present Private Collection, British Columbia, 2002

Molly Lamb Bobak’s mother had a waterfront summer resort on Galiano Island called Arbutus Point, acquired in 1942. While she was an official war artist, Bobak would go home on furloughs, and at the end of World War II, she returned with her husband, artist Bruno Bobak, building a small cottage on her mother’s new Galiano property at Retreat Cove. Bobak moved to New Brunswick from Vancouver in 1960, but during the ensuing decade often went back to Galiano with her family. This striking image shows her intimate knowledge of social life on the island, and reflects the deep interest in humanity that characterizes her work. Bobak was known for her depictions of crowd scenes, which focused on the dynamic shifting rhythms of the figures. Sky, water and ground – executed with soft, expressionist brush-strokes – are depicted as fluid and reflective, while the figures are substantive and pulse with life. The cool tones of the coast are contrasted with the vivid colouration in the clothing, the Christmas lights on the boat and the reddish-orange suit of the protagonist, Santa. This vital painting, packed with engaging elements, is an outstanding example of Bobak’s work.

All prices are in Canadian Dollars

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