Untitled 1978 [W/P]

This work, clearly belonging to the sequence of smaller ‘white’ drawings Arkley made between 1974 and 1978, is one of several developed from the ‘organic’ theme he explored in various canvases and works on paper during the period. Minute variations in the colour, weight, focus and depth of individual components make for an intricate and subtle composition.

The closest parallels to this complex composition are two larger ‘white’ works, Untitled [A231] (c.1974-76) [W/P] and Untitled [W17] (c.1974-76) [W/P] (right half).

The size of the present work matches that recorded for an unidentified drawing included in Arkley’s 1995 Tolarno exhibition, as A Primary Organic Model (listed in the ‘white’ catalogue as Appendix no.9), although the date given in the Tolarno check-list is 1976.

Information received in June 2024 indicated that this is one of several works on paper in the collection of the owner, a relative of the artist.

= ‘White’ W/P no.134A [new entry June 2025]

Provenance

• The artist
• Gift from the above to the present owner, c.1995

Exhibited

• (possibly) HA Tolarno 9/95, cat.9: A Primary Organic Model, 38 x 28: see comments above.