Conophytums (1984) [W/P]



Alternate title (?): Cactaceae-Horstii [1985?]
Synthetic polymer paint on paper, c.77 x 107
Coll.: unknown

This work, reproduced via an untitled slide in Arkley’s archive, with Roslyn Oxley9 label, is most plausibly identified as ‘Conophytums,’ exhibited in the artist’s May 1984 ‘Cacti and Succulents’ exhibition (not ‘Pittoresque,’ as suggested on the Roslyn Oxley9 website – see now Pittoresque (1984) [W/P]).

Despite variant details, the present work also appears to be identical with the work on paper auctioned in August 2000 as ‘Succulents 1986′ (indicating a size of 53 x 64 cm: see provenance, below).

It may also be identical with an unidentified work on paper listed in Spray research notes (c.1996) as Cactaceae-Horstii 1985, again with an indication of a smaller size of 53 x 64 cm. This possibility is strengthened by the fact that the composition of the present work is clearly similar to that of the later canvas Cactaceae-Horstii (?) 1989.

[original entry modified August 2023]

Provenance

  • uncertain prior to 2000
  • (possibly) listed in Spray notes, c.1996: see comments above
  • (probably) auctioned by Sotheby’s, Sydney, 15-16 Aug.2000, lot 98 (ill.; as Succulents 1986 (?), 53 x 64; est.$10-15,000; sold for $14,000 plus buyer’s premium)

Exhibited

  • (probably) HA Roslyn Oxley9, 5/84, cat.6 (Conophytums): details as above