Harold Town (1924-1990) is renowned across Canada for his eclectic and dynamic body of work.
In the 1950s, Town established his reputation with a series of abstract monotypes (called "Single Autographic Prints"). He would exhibit these works at the Venice Biennale to great fanfare in Europe and beyond. By the 1960s, he was considered the most famous artist in Canada.
Town fearlessly experimented. Consider how different his "Toy Horse" is from his "Single Autographic Prints" or even his "Pop Star/Icon" works. In every decade, Town would switch gears and embark on new series with new material, courage and conviction.
Until the late 1960's Town's abstract works were critically and commercially embraced. The "Stretch" series, and the response, was a major departure from his previous work. Was Town responding to emerging trends in the art world (such as Minimalism and hard-edge abstraction)? Town's oeuvre has little connection to minimalism, and he can arguably be understood as a maximalist, always aiming for extravagance, layers, and bravado.
Interestingly when he debuted the "Stretch" series it was met with critical ambivalence and the production was short-lived.
This bold work on paper is an exemplary output from this significant era. A series of bold, jet-black stretches alternately contract and expand, interlocking across the sheet. With minimal detail, Town masterfully captures a powerful sense of motion within the composition.
Town's striking black ink "Stretch" drawings are a fascinating bridge between the artist's works on paper and prints like "Popstars/Icons," which both showcase his mastery of simplicity and form.
Today, the "Stretch" series looks remarkably contemporary. For the uninitiated, many assume this body of work to be brand new. The piece presents a rare opportunity to acquire one of the thirty canvases created during this brief and highly distinctive period of production.
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"Ink Stretch 2"
Canada, circa 1970
Ink on paper
Stamped by the artist's estate, bottom right
15.5"H 11.5"W (work)
20.5"H 17"W (framed)
Framed with museum glass
Very good condition.
Note: the price is $1950 CAD
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