1982

1982 Works

Paintings

First documented in archive photos taken in about 1982, this canvas was on the art market in 1996.
This canvas and its twin, Primitive Silver 1982, monumentalize the imagery of Primitive (1981) [W/P].
Like Primitive Gold 1982, this canvas reprises imagery from Primitive [mural] (1981) [W/P].

Works on Paper

Unidentified work on paper, possibly identical with another example catalogued here.
= Through the Peel of the Orange 1982 [W/P]
Work on paper shown at HA Tolarno 10/83; not to be confused with Model (1983).
Psychedelic composition published in Art & Australia, Summer 1983.
First shown at Tolarno in 1983 as 'Icons'.
One of the three 'working drawings for recent paintings' exhibited in May-June 1983.
Documented by an archive slide dated Oct.1982; Untitled [Hobart] (1984) [W/P] is a later variant.
The earliest version of this composition, repeated in several later works.
The composition is reprised in the central panel of Icon (triptych) (1983).
The composition is closely related to that of Model 1983 [aka Zygocactus].
Work on paper related to Schizo 1983.
Preliminary version of the composition later used for Suburban 1983 and Suburban Interior 1983.
Now in fragmentary condition, this work on paper was a precursor of Zappo 1983.
Possibly the original version of the head in Untitled [Icon study] (1982) [W/P] and related works from 1982-83.
Documented in an archive slide dated Oct.1982.

Works on Paper Minor

Arkley's archive contains a considerable corpus of sketches and working drawings probably or certainly dating from 1982.

Blow-up toys 1982 (det.)

(photo: Polaroid from Arkley’s archive showing some of his blow-up toys with Coloured Primitive 1982 and Logitex (a hooked rug) (1981) [3/M])

Arkley now set about consolidating his ‘figurative turn’. Primitive Gold 1982 and Primitive Silver 1982, both reprising the imagery of Primitive [mural] (1981) [W/P], were included in Paul Taylor’s influential ‘Popism’ exhibition at the NGV in June/July. Both paintings featured in the national and international coverage this show received. The NGV acquired the gold canvas, and the silver version was purchased by noted Melbourne art dealer John Buckley.Meanwhile, in an extensive series of works on paper, Arkley systematically mapped out a series of subjects that he would explore in subsequent years – including his earliest overtly suburban image, Untitled [Suburban study] (1982) [W/P].

A series of photos from 1982 (Arkley archive), documents the artist’s collection of blow-up toys, some of which later served as source material. A selection of these photos was included in HA Monash 1991, as cat.41 (dated to c.1982). In one photo, shown here, two of the toys were arranged in a quirky diorama incorporating the artist’s works; the toy cat visible here was referenced later in Blue Chip Instant Decorator: a Room (1991-2) [3/M].

1982 Exhibitions

‘Formed in Wood,’ Banyule (NGV extension gallery), 28 March – 30 June 1982

‘Popism,’ NGV, 16 June-25 July 1982 (cur.Paul Taylor)

‘The Seventies’ (National Bank coll.), NGV, 15 Oct.-28 Nov.1982

‘Recent Abstract Painting,’ Wollongong City Art Gallery