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LOT 015

1923 - 1994
American

Tokyo (Drawing for Sculpture)
acrylic on paper
on verso titled and dated 1966 and dated on the Bobbie Greenfield Gallery label, inscribed "S2-P1-23" and stamped with the estate stamp and the facsimile signature stamp
16 x 12 1/2 in, 40.6 x 31.8 cm

Estimate: $20,000 - $30,000 CAD

Sold for: $18,750

Preview at: Heffel Calgary - 220 Manning Road NE, Unit 1080

PROVENANCE
Estate of the Artist
Bobbie Greenfield Gallery, Santa Monica
Private Collection, San Francisco
Galerie Simon Blais, Montreal
Private Collection, Toronto


One of the most influential American artists of the twentieth century, Sam Francis is celebrated for paintings of colour and gesture epitomizing freedom and joy, yet also restraint. This work was painted in 1966, the same year he left the centre of contemporary art, the USA, to establish a home in Tokyo.

An interest in Eastern philosophy and aesthetics runs through his work. Francis handles the concept of the void through expressive depictions of negative space and his mark-making, which oscillates between a sense of order and chaos. In Japan, Francis forged relationships with leading artists of the Gutai and Mono-ha movements and was influenced by the philosophy of Ma, the interplay between form and non-form. This piece is from a series of acrylic works on paper of imaginary sculptures, in which Francis is concerned with space and scale. The sculptural form is understood as having defined boundaries, and he plays with the shape - its peripheries are vaguely situated and in flux. Spatial illusion is further implied by the gateway form, which, while small in scale, leads us through the opening into a space of boundless immensity.

This work has been given the identification #SF66-083 by the Sam Francis Foundation. This information is subject to change as scholarship by the foundation continues.


Estimate: $20,000 - $30,000 CAD

All prices are in Canadian Dollars


Although great care has been taken to ensure the accuracy of the information posted, errors and omissions may occur. All bids are subject to our Terms and Conditions of Business. Bidders must ensure they have satisfied themselves with the condition of the Lot prior to bidding. Condition reports are available upon request.