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This session is closed for bidding.
Current bid: $4,000 CAD
Bidding History
Paddle # Date Amount
11165 21-Apr-2021 02:09:03 PM $4,000
823093 21-Apr-2021 01:01:17 PM $3,750
823105 21-Apr-2021 12:57:25 PM $3,500
823093 21-Apr-2021 12:48:05 PM $3,250
822990 21-Apr-2021 12:38:31 PM $3,000
823093 21-Apr-2021 11:22:53 AM $2,750
823095 21-Apr-2021 11:03:36 AM $2,500
823105 20-Apr-2021 07:33:57 AM $2,250
31331 19-Apr-2021 07:11:57 PM $2,000 autobid
823105 19-Apr-2021 07:11:57 PM $1,900
31331 19-Apr-2021 07:09:10 PM $1,800 autobid
823105 19-Apr-2021 07:09:10 PM $1,700
31331 17-Apr-2021 09:29:38 AM $1,600 autobid
823058 14-Apr-2021 10:38:45 AM $1,500 autobid
31331 14-Apr-2021 10:38:45 AM $1,400 autobid
823058 14-Apr-2021 10:38:45 AM $1,300 autobid
31331 10-Apr-2021 04:49:17 PM $1,200 autobid
822990 10-Apr-2021 04:49:17 PM $1,100
31331 08-Apr-2021 08:48:52 PM $1,000 autobid
822982 08-Apr-2021 08:07:20 PM $900
26752 08-Apr-2021 05:28:34 PM $800
822982 08-Apr-2021 05:11:14 PM $700
26752 08-Apr-2021 04:48:34 PM $600
822975 08-Apr-2021 03:29:56 PM $500

LOT h024

CAS OC PY QMG RCA
1906 - 1988
Canadian

Joie de vivre
colour serigraph on paper
signed, titled, editioned E.A. 12/15 and dated 1975
28 3/4 x 22 in, 73 x 55.9 cm

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

Sold for: $5,000

Preview at:

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 32 x 25 1/2 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


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