Sold for: $13,750

PROVENANCE
An Important Private Collection, Toronto

EXHIBITED
Tate Gallery, London, Canadian Painting: 1939-1963, Organized by the National Gallery of Canada, February - March, 1964
Art Gallery of Ontario, Harold Town: A Retrospective, May 16 - July 6, 1986

As a founding member of Painters 11, Harold Town positioned himself at the edge of the avant-garde, and via his sharp intellect and stylish persona he became one of the most prominent fixtures of the Canadian cultural scene. As an author, critic, painter, printmaker, and draughtsman, he combined each of these facets into his singular presence and formidable body of work. He represented Canada at Biennials held in both Sao Paulo and Venice, and exhibited in prominent international exhibitions at institutions such as the Tate Gallery, London, where this painting hung in 1964. A quintessential example from this period, one can sense his trademark interrogation of the act of painting throughout, with the typical divisions between drawing and painting constantly obscured. While the abstract painters of his era often fell into “expressionist” or “post-painterly” camps, with an intellectual defiance Town here chooses neither. He explores both palette and gesture in his scintillating central areas of colour, while thoroughly maintaining his allegiance to drawing with his peripatetic line that travels the whole of the composition.

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.