CSGA RCA
1919 - 1988
Canadian
Painting in Mauve
oil on canvas
on verso signed, titled, dated 1972 and inscribed "B144"
90 x 78 in, 228.6 x 198.1 cm
Estimate: $50,000 - $70,000 CAD
Sold for: $49,250
Preview at:
PROVENANCE
Estate of the Artist
Gershon Iskowitz Foundation, Toronto
LITERATURE
Roald Nasgaard, Abstract Painting in Canada, Art Gallery of Nova Scotia, 2007, page 244
After immigrating to Canada in 1949, Gershon Iskowitz became well known in the Toronto art community. However, he existed outside of the strong influence American art critic Clement Greenberg exerted on abstract artists in that city, such as Painters Eleven - likely because Iskowitz’s paintings were really abstracted landscapes. Iskowitz had a studio on Spadina Avenue, started showing with Gallery Moos in 1964, and was a mentor to younger artists in the neighbourhood.
In 1972, Iskowitz was working on a series titled Uplands, in which softly brushed cloud-like forms hovered over dappled backgrounds, such as in this work, with its purple and mauve curtain covered with glowing tachiste patches over a pale, mottled background. These forms could be seen as flattened abstract landscape elements, inspired by Iskowitz’s earlier flights over prairie landscapes. Roald Nasgaard describes the artist’s work of the early 1970s as a “pulsating dance of vibrant colour,” and that certainly is the case here, with a gorgeous palette of purple, gold and pale blue on cream. Painting in Mauve is a joyous and uplifting experience for the eye.
Consignor proceeds from the sale of this lot will benefit the Gershon Iskowitz Foundation.
Estimate: $50,000 - $70,000 CAD
All prices are in Canadian Dollars
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