PROVENANCE
Douglas Udell Gallery, Edmonton
Acquired from the above by the present Private Collection, Vancouver

In the winter of 1982 to 1983, Joe Fafard read Dear Theo, a collection of Vincent van Gogh’s letters to his brother. The book had a profound impact on Fafard, resulting in a series of works that would occupy him for years. The twentieth century consecrated van Gogh as the saintly icon of tortured artistic genius, a martyr for freedom of self-expression—concepts that are now bound up with his image. This portrayal of the artist fascinated Fafard, who through repeatedly sculpting his likeness, sought to understand both himself and the enigmatic figure. Like van Gogh, he remained faithful to his personal vision in spite of prevailing artistic trends.

In Vincent, Fafard presents van Gogh as a monumental presence befitting the painter’s importance in art history. Whereas Fafard produced several versions of van Gogh as a full figure—standing or seated, often poised in the process of painting, with brush in hand—here the artist is presented as an expressive, larger-than-life bust. We are shown van Gogh’s knotted brows and swirl of hair, and the etched lines of his face held in concentration. Fafard imbues his subject with an introspective awareness, presenting the artist with a sensitivity and personality that nonetheless asserts his legendary status.

Please note: a metal plinth measuring 15 ½ x 32 x 12 inches is included with this lot.

All prices are in Canadian Dollars