Caviar20

TAKAO TANABE "ATHENS" DRAWING, 1955

Despite the hardships, racism, and degradation of having been detained in an internment camp during WWII, Takao Tanabe (b. 1926) would rise to become one of Canada's most accomplished artists of the 20th century.

At the end of the war, Tanabe began his formal education at Winnipeg School of Art, with the intention of becoming a sign painter. By the early 1950's a combination of luck, ambition and talent brought him to New York City, to study with Reuben Tam and Hans Hoffmann, where he absorbed the emerging aesthetic trends of abstract expressionism. In 1953 Tanabe won an Emily Carr Scholarship which enabled him to spend over two years travelling and studying in Europe. While he was based in London (at the Central School of Arts and Crafts) he used this a base for exploring the continent, learning about Art History...and most importantly developing his own style. 

This evocative and elegant drawing is a paradigm of Tanabe's style; taking the basic elements of a landscape, and expressing them in an ephemeral, misty and atmospheric vision. While Tanabe is a product of mid-century abstraction he is also indebted to painters like JMW Turner. 

The "Grand Tour" is a tradition that is, sadly rarely practiced anymore by artists or art aficionados anymore. In previous centuries it was required journey for those serious about appreciating the development of art history and visual culture in the West. This beautiful drawing is an important memento of Tanabe's travels as a young man, but also as a paradigm of his emerging and signature style.   

Tanabe's work can be found in numerous important collections across Canada and beyond including: 
the Art Gallery of Ontario (Toronto), Glenbow Museum (Calgary), the National Gallery of Canada (Ottawa) and the Tate Museum, U.K

To learn more about Takao Tanabe, and to see how his aesthetic evolved, check out the National Gallery's bio and featured artworks here. 

Questions about this piece? Contact us or call +1.416.704.1720

Additional images available on request. 

Signed, dated by the artist, including a personal monogram

Watercolor and mixed media on paper

18.5"W 12"H (artwork -visible)

26"W 20"H (framed)

Very good condition.

 

 

- 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?

If purchasing directly online, Caviar20 accepts all major credit cards as well as Paypal. If invoiced, Caviar20 accepts all major credit cards on regularly priced merchandise. 

Discounted material must be paid by wire transfer, or with Paypal (if funds are sent as 'friends and family'). There is a 3.5% administration fee for credit cards on discounted material. 

Caviar20 does not accept personal checks or Zelle. 

Canadian clients are welcomed and encouraged to pay with interac.
 
Please contact us directly at info@caviar20.com if interested in paying with a cryptocurrency (Bitcoin, Ethereum).

 

You may also like