AUTO CAS OC QMG RCA SCA
1923 - 2002
Canadian
Abstract Composition
oil on canvas, circa 1956
on verso titled and dated 1956 on the gallery labels
4 3/4 x 6 1/4 in, 12.1 x 15.9 cm
Estimate: $70,000 - $90,000 CAD
Preview at: Heffel Vancouver
PROVENANCE
Laing Galleries, Toronto
Private Collection
Canadian Art, Joyner Fine Art, November 20 – 21, 1990, lot 133
Kenneth R. Thomson, Toronto
A.K. Prakash & Associates Inc., Toronto
The Collection of Torben V. Kristiansen, Vancouver
LITERATURE
Yseult Riopelle, Jean Paul Riopelle Catalogue Raisonné, Volume 2, 1954 – 1959, 2004, reproduced page 245, catalogue #1956.109H.V1956
Jean Paul Riopelle Exhibition and Sale, Masters Gallery Ltd. in conjunction with The Art Emporium, 2016, reproduced page 23
EXHIBITED
Masters Gallery Ltd., Vancouver, Jean Paul Riopelle Exhibition and Sale, April 23 – May 7, 2016
Jean Paul Riopelle’s painterly style is often discussed in terms of expression, gesture, texture and colour palette. However, one lesser-mentioned aspect, and perhaps one of the most impressive, is his mastery of scale. Riopelle switches from larger to smaller scales with incredible ease, and without sacrificing his signature intensity, or the dynamism or complexity of his compositions. In fact, his more petite works are rather exquisite. Like jewellery boxes, they almost shimmer, thanks to the inherent glossiness of some of the pigments he used.
Handled with the same bravado as any larger canvas, Abstract Composition, dated circa 1956, packs an incredible punch. Tesserae-like touches of glossy black, ruby red, teal, chartreuse and luminous white paint are applied in a variety of directions and showcase the wide range of his visual vocabulary. The result is a remarkable choreography of texture, with colours densely packed within a discrete space. Each stroke of the palette knife is thoughtfully considered; we can feel the care with which he has executed this piece. Riopelle beckons us closer, drawing us in so we can truly and more intimately appreciate the scintillating and sensuous surface of Abstract Composition—an exceptional little gem.
The provenance of this painting is a sterling lineage of important figures in the Canadian art world—Blair Laing of Laing Galleries, Kenneth R. Thomson, A.K. Prakash and Torben V. Kristiansen.
For the biography on Torben V. Kristiansen in PDF format, please click here.
Estimate: $70,000 - $90,000 CAD
All prices are in Canadian Dollars
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