Untitled 1977 [W/P]

This work, added to this catalogue in 2026, clearly belongs to the sequence of works on paper related to Arkley’s key early painting Actuality (is the Void between Events) 1976: see ‘White’ works on paper (c.1974-78), nos.90-96 and 179. The inscribed date suggests that it is not a study for the painting, but a work made subsequently.

The drawing has an intriguing history. The current owner advises that he discovered it in one of the books he purchased in 2022 from the estate of Brisbane painter Robert MacPherson (1937-2021). The cool abstract style of Arkley’s image evidently appealed to MacPherson, highly regarded for his conceptually challenging, often formally austere works. The present owner suggests that the two artists may have met while Arkley was installing his Wall Painting (Muzak Mural) (1981) [3/M] at the Institute of Modern Art in Brisbane in July 1981 (email correspondence, July 2026, including photo and details shown here).

The sheet of paper, smaller than most of the other extant ‘white’ drawings, is somewhat creased, but otherwise in good condition. The drawing is a fine example of the control with which Arkley used the air-brush on a very small scale.

= ‘White’ W/P cat.no.96A

(new entry July 2026)

Provenance

• Collection of Robert MacPherson, Brisbane
• Private collection, Brisbane, 2022