Weaving 1980 [W/P]

This work, first documented in Arkley’s solo exhibition at the Solander Gallery, Canberra, in October-November 1981, was originally listed in this catalogue with an archive photo oriented with the blue/green components shown uppermost (as shown in the Solander installation slides), and with a presumed date of 1981.

However, new information received ahead of the auction of the work by Leonard Joel in March 2025, together with the current photograph reproduced here, including the inscription, indicates the orientation as shown here, and also clarifies the date of production as 1980.

The work is a fine example of the sophistication with which Arkley used abstract patterned elements in the period around 1979-81, here echoing the texture of woven material, explored literally in Logitex (a hooked rug) (1981) [3/M], first shown at Tolarno in July 1981 and later incorporated in Logitex (table and chair tableau) (1980-84) [3/M] (NGA, Canberra); and later in Homezone (1999) [3/M].

{NB revised entry, updated March 2025}

Provenance

• Gift from the artist, 1981
• Private collection
• Thence by descent
• Auctioned by Leonard Joel, Melbourne. 18 March 2025; details and ill.as shown here; est.$12-16,000; sold for $18,000 plus buyer’s premium

Exhibited

• HA Solander 10/81, cat.7 (as Weaving, 89 x 104; $400)