Joyce Wieland (1931-1998) is one of the most accomplished and versatile Canadian artists. She achieved a level of commercial and critical success in her lifetime that was exceptional for a woman in her era in a male-dominated field.
Wieland established new benchmarks for what a woman artist could achieve. Notably, she was the first woman artist to have a solo exhibition at the National Gallery (Ottawa) in 1971.
Many of her innovative creations predate similar works by woman artists of the late 20th century - Tracey Emin's crotchet works are one of several examples.
Beginning in the 1960s, Wieland explored the role of women, the body, nationalism, and relationships through various media. She was a prolific illustrator and created many intimate works on paper that mocked typical depictions of women in visual culture. Wieland was also unafraid to create erotic imagery from a woman's point of view.
"Heart Factory" features an assortment of hearts moving through a segmented, mechanized process. Subtle details such as a clock, buckets, and valves hint at the industrial surroundings, intensifying the sense of mystery within this peculiar environment. Like many of Wieland's works on paper from this era, this mysterious drawing contains ambiguous phallic-shaped forms.
The rose-stained hearts are punctured through the center, and their contents siphoned through the valves into the buckets. The stark contrast between the organic forms and the relentless mechanical process highlights the reality of raw, vulnerable human emotion against the detached nature of industry.
Like the best of her work, "Heart Factory" explores complex themes through amusing iconography and a clever dose of humor.
Joyce Wieland's works can be found in numerous public collections across Canada including the National Gallery (London) and the Art Gallery of Ontario (Toronto), to mention a few.
Questions about this piece? Contact us or call us at +1.416.704.1720
Visit our Toronto gallery on Thursdays or by appointment.
"Heart Factory"
Canada, 1961
Ink and watercolor on paper
Signed and dated by the artist, bottom right
11"H 16.25"W (work)
16.25"H 20"W (framed)
Detailed condition report by request. Overall very good condition.
Note: price is $1,850 CAD
- Where does the inventory ship from?
Our inventory is divided between New York and Toronto.
- Where do you ship to?
We can ship anywhere. Typically when we ship within North America we prefer to use FedEx or DHL. To Europe, Asia and beyond we generally use DHL.
- How much does it cost to ship?
For shipments within North America, we typically charge a flat rate fee. Many items on our site will list the rate. For shipping outside of North America, we can easily provide a quote and will look for the most efficient and economical option.
Most of the items on our site can be easily shipped internationally.
Occasionally we will recommend that an artwork be removed from its frame for shipping. Larger framed works are typically framed with plexiglass. We export over 80% of what we sell, so we are comfortable shipping anywhere.
- Are there additional taxes or fees?
When a work is valued above $2,500 usd there is a possibility of tax of 0.35%, but this is applied sporadically. There can similarly be an additional fee for customs brokerage and this can range from $20 - $65. US Taxes, duties and customs brokerage are not included in our flat rate shipping. However most of our shipments to the US enter without any additional fees.
- Do you provide a certificate of authenticity?
Yes, we guarantee everything we sell. We can provide both a digital and printed version of our certificate of authenticity.
What is your return policy?
- Caviar20 wants you to be 100% satisfied with your purchase. We have a 7 day no-questions full refund return policy for your purchase. Shipping charges are non-refundable. Return shipping is the responsibility of the customer. After 8 days returns are given a credit note. There is no expiration for our credit notes.
- What payment methods do you accept?
Canadian clients are welcomed and encouraged to pay with interac.