Harold Town (1924-1990) is renowned across Canada and beyond for his eclectic and dynamic body of work. He was considered the most famous artist in Canada after appearing on the cover of Maclean's magazine in 1961.
During his career he fearlessly experimented with different media and aesthetics - 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 courage and conviction. Regardless of medium, Town loved creating works that had calligraphic qualities or emulated the appearance and versatility of ink.
"Ocean #2" is notable for its electric spontaneity and simplicity. Executed in bold washes and ribbons of India ink, the composition is bustling with organic lines and curvilinear forms that stretch dynamically across a horizontal plane.
The lines expand and contract, gathering and dispersing in a rhythmic interplay that balances tension and order. With such simple execution, we're reminded of Town's intuitive understanding of form and composition, as well as his relentless exploration of the possibilities within abstraction.
At first glance, this work could be interpreted as an exercise with an ink brush. On closer inspection one wonders whether this is in fact a depiction of a landscape featuring a central mountain and body of water.
Today, Harold Town's work is represented in prestigious collections across North America including the Art Gallery of Ontario, the Museum of Modern Art (New York), and the Guggenheim (New York).
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"Ocean #2"
Canada, 1979
India ink on paper
Signed, dated, and titled by the artist, bottom left and verso
29.5"H 22"W (work)
32.25"H 25.25"W (framed)
Framed with museum glass
Very good condition.
Provenance: The Estate of Harold Town
Additional framed images coming soon
Note: the price is $4,500 CAD
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