Zappo Head 1987 [Bendigo]



Synthetic polymer paint on canvas, 182 x 167
signed, dated and titled [on reverse]
Bendigo Art Gallery

First shown in HA Monash 1991. David Thomas (1993) comments that this painting was a 1992 gift to the Bendigo gallery from an anonymous Melbourne collector, under the Tax Incentives Scheme, together with works by other artists including Richard Larter.

This work, the most monumental version of this composition Arkley made, later formed the basis for Zappo Head on Republic Tower (1999) [3/M]. It was also one of five paintings subsequently released in limited edition reproduction prints by Kalli Rolfe Contemporary Art: for details, see 2011.

Provenance

  • Presumably the ‘Zappo Head’ listed in Arkley’s list of sales as sold to a Melbourne collector Sept.1988 for $8,000
  • Donated to the Bendigo gallery, 1992

Exhibited

  • HA Monash 1991, cat.79 (as P/C)
  • Bendigo Art Gallery, 1/93 (1992 acquisitions), cat.2
  • HA retrospective 2006-7 (all 3 venues)
  • HA TarraWarra 12/15-2/16 (details as above; ill.)

Literature

  • Thomas 1993: see comments above; ill.on back cover
  • NGVA Arkley audio-guide 2006 (comments by John Gregory, also discussing the ‘Zappo Head’ motif generally)