Sold for: $31,250

PROVENANCE
Acquired directly from the Artist by a Private Collection, Toronto
Canadian Post-War Art (from 1945 to the 1970's), Heffel Fine Art Auction House, September 2007, lot 34
Private Collection, Toronto

Ray Mead’s Winter (1960) epitomizes the artist’s distinctive abstraction and stands as a testament to his profound influence on mid-century Canadian Abstract Expressionism. A pivotal figure within this transformative movement, Mead’s artistic trajectory was significantly shaped by his mentorship under Hortense Gordon. This influential guidance facilitated his early participation in the annual exhibitions at the Art Gallery of Hamilton from 1947 and his subsequent involvement in the pioneering Painters Eleven, a group founded in Toronto in 1953 that was instrumental in redefining abstract art in Canada.In 1958, Mead’s career took a notable turn as he relocated to Montréal to assume the role of art director at the esteemed advertising agency MacLaren. It was during this period that Winter was acquired directly from the artist by a colleague at the firm. Mead’s time at MacLaren marked a period of continued artistic evolution and expansion. The year 1960 marked a significant milestone in his career, with notable exhibitions at both the Montreal Museum of Fine Arts and the National Gallery of Canada.

Winter vividly demonstrates Mead’s skillful and innovative application of paint, revealing his mastery over color and form. The painting’s dynamic composition is characterized by a striking contrast between the cold, expansive white of the lower canvas and the vibrant, textured hues of burnt orange, ochre, and red that animate the upper portion. This interplay of expressive brushwork and layered textures exemplifies Mead’s exceptional control over composition. Winter captures a pivotal moment in his artistic journey during a transformative decade.

All prices are in Canadian Dollars

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