Untitled [female figure in doubled line] 1984 [W/P]



Synthetic polymer paint and black fibre-tipped pen on paper, 69.5 x 45

Inscribed l.r. within image: “H.Arkley.84 / Thank You”

Collection of Robyn McKenzie, Canberra

A gift from Arkley to the present owner in recognition of a favour, this drawing typifies the doubled line technique he used extensively in 1984-85, apparently in an effort to find a graphic equivalent for his sprayed line-work. The formal interplay between the figure and the background rectangle is particularly subtle here.

NB Arkley’s files contain a photo of this work behind a young Ashley Crawford (one of a series of Polaroid photos showing the artist’s doubled line drawings with real people, probably taken in 1984 or 1985).

[New entry March 2026, following receipt of information from Robyn McKenzie]

Provenance

  • artist’s collection
  • gifted from above to present owner, 1984