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LOT DETAILS
                     
                     
                     
                     

This session is closed for bidding.
Current bid: $2,750 CAD
Bidding History
Paddle # Date Amount
823058 21-Apr-2021 01:23:08 PM $2,750
823147 21-Apr-2021 01:16:35 PM $2,500
823058 21-Apr-2021 01:14:48 PM $2,250
823147 21-Apr-2021 01:12:11 PM $2,000
823058 21-Apr-2021 01:08:14 PM $1,900
823147 21-Apr-2021 01:06:42 PM $1,800
823058 21-Apr-2021 01:03:24 PM $1,700
823147 21-Apr-2021 01:01:19 PM $1,600
823058 21-Apr-2021 12:58:09 PM $1,500
823147 21-Apr-2021 12:57:45 PM $1,400
823122 21-Apr-2021 12:57:17 PM $1,300
822958 21-Apr-2021 12:34:11 PM $1,200
823139 21-Apr-2021 12:26:02 PM $1,100
822958 21-Apr-2021 06:16:11 AM $1,000
822656 20-Apr-2021 09:10:30 PM $900
822933 17-Apr-2021 01:33:47 AM $800
822856 16-Apr-2021 03:25:36 PM $700
34303 11-Apr-2021 08:42:45 PM $600
822958 08-Apr-2021 02:23:58 PM $500

LOT h027

CAS OC PY QMG RCA
1906 - 1988
Canadian

Mutons…
colour serigraph on paper
signed, titled, editioned E.A. 7/15 and dated 1974
31 1/4 x 26 3/4 in, 79.3 x 68.1 cm

Estimate: $1,000 - $2,000 CAD

Sold for: $3,438

Preview at: Heffel Montreal

PROVENANCE
Legs Madeleine Poliseno-Pelland Bequest
Fondation du Musée national des beaux-arts du Québec

LITERATURE
Alfred Pellan, “The Tail of the Comet: Alfred Pellan, Witness to Surrealism”, Vie des arts, 1975, vol. 20, no. 80, page 19


Alfred Pellan was quite familiar with the variety of techniques the Surrealists invented, in favour of using chance as a creative strategy, and to reject the predominance of external reality. In this regard, we see evidence of Pellan’s Surrealist heritage, and he would also call on what the Surrealists referred to as “objective chance.” He used blots, drips, rubbing, and decals—all pictorial techniques derived from automatic writing—as the driving force in developing his compositions. Several works representing landscapes are the result of automatic painting that started from a few improvised blotches of colour applied directly to the canvas. Some paintings transform into dreamscapes, others remain more organic. Pellan favoured texture and the use of motifs. Masses of colour also serve as a base for the proliferation of curious creatures, notably in his numerous Bestiaires. “It’s interesting to see them become fish, seaweed, and all sorts of unknown beasts,” Pellan said about them.

Alfred Pellan connaissait bien la diversité des techniques inventées par les surréalistes au moyen desquelles la provocation du hasard comme source de création était préconisée pour contrer la prédominance de la réalité extérieure. L’héritage surréaliste d’Alfred Pellan est perceptible à cet égard, puisqu’il aura lui aussi fait appel à ce que les surréalistes dénommaient le « hasard objectif ». Taches, dégoulinures, frottage et décalcomanie, toutes des techniques picturales issues de l’écriture automatique, ont en effet plus d’une fois servi de moteur à l’élaboration de ses compositions. Plusieurs œuvres représentant des paysages sont le résultat d’un automatisme dirigé à partir de quelques taches de couleurs improvisées appliquées directement sur la toile. Certaines se métamorphosent en des paysages oniriques, d’autres demeurent plus organiques. Elles privilégient les jeux de textures et le déploiement de motifs. Des amas de couleurs auront aussi servi de base à la prolifération de curieuses créatures, notamment dans ses nombreux Bestiaires. « Il est intéressant de voir cela devenir des poissons, des algues et toutes sortes de bêtes inconnues », nous dit-il à leur propos.

We thank Eve-Lyne Beaudry and Marie-Hélène Métivier for the contributing the original French essay.

Please note: the full sheet size of this work is 44 1/4 x 32 inches.

Please note: Consignor proceeds of this Lot will benefit the Fondation du Musée national des beaux-arts du Québec. This lot is accompanied by a certificate of provenance from the Fondation du Musée national des beaux-arts du Québec.

The Buyer is hereby advised to read fully the Terms and Conditions of Business and Catalogue Terms, including our HO2 Sale Notice and any Addendum or Erratum specific to the Fondation du Musée national des beaux-arts du Québec HO2 auction.


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.