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LOT 044

CPE OC
1923 - 2008
Canadian

Chain of Events
brass and steel sculpture
on verso signed, dated 2000, inscribed "BG-SC-2000-01" and stamped Studio Betty Goodwin
17 3/4 x 11 1/2 x 4 in, 45.1 x 29.2 x 10.2 cm

Estimate: $10,000 - $15,000 CAD

Sold for: $28,125

Preview at: Heffel Toronto – 13 Hazelton Ave

PROVENANCE
Collection of the Artist
Estate of the Artist


Essay by Roger Bellemare (translated):

Though at times overlooked in favour of more colourful and narrative creations, some of Betty Goodwin’s pieces reveal the spiritual roots of key works yet to be discovered.

Chain of Events is one example. The redemptive value and “karmic” acceptance of suffering here takes the form of an ex voto—a petitionary and devotional object that recalls in concrete terms the essence of a humanity in which knotted chains of events wall in and constrict the heart.

Goodwin’s trips to Italy, where she documented tomb doors and their inscriptions—popular expressions of human distress and prayers for relief—undoubtedly contributed to this scene of suffocation in need of resolution. The artist directs us in a frank manner to the inevitable reality of suffering. It is a concise, excruciating and emphatic suffering, tragically fixed by Goodwin’s art in materials that are hard and metallic.

Parfois écartées au profit de réalisations plus colorées et narratives, des oeuvres de Goodwin exposent pourtant les racines spirituelles d’oeuvres-phares à découvrir.

Chain of Events en est un exemple; les valeurs rédemptrices de la souffrance et son acceptation “karmique” empruntent ici la forme d’un ex-voto - objet de supplique et de dévotion rappelant concrètement l’essence d’une humanité dont les évènements en chaînes nouées emmurent le coeur en le serrant.

Certainement les séjours de Goodwin en Italie à documenter les portes des tombeaux et leurs inscriptions, les expressions populaires des désarrois humains et leurs prières pour un apaisement, ont contribué à cette scène d’étouffement cherchant résolution. Sans détour, l’artiste pointe l’inévitable réalité de la souffrance. Souffrance que l’art de Goodwin a tragiquement figée dans des matériaux durs, concise, insoutenable et proclamatoire.

We thank Roger Bellemare for contributing the above essay.

To view more information on Betty Goodwin, please click here.


Estimate: $10,000 - $15,000 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.