Untitled [“If the porcelain shatters…”] (c.1981) [W/P]



Synthetic polymer paint on newspaper, c.59 x 40 (irreg.)
Private collection, Melbourne

This intense work, which remained in Arkley’s studio at his death, is painted on page 4 of the edition of the Melbourne Herald published on December 21st, 1981.

The surreal imagery may relate to the headline. The story is apparently about Lindy and Michael Chamberlain, whose baby disappeared at Uluru (Ayers Rock) in August 1980, sparking a controversial series of events leading to Lindy Chamberlain’s conviction for murder and subsequent exoneration.

For another surreal head painted on another page from the same issue of the Herald, see Untitled head on newspaper 1981 [W/P].

Provenance

  • Artist’s studio collection (A300)