Kurelek Masterwork Fetches $472,000 During Record-Breaking Spring Auction

Posted by & filed under Cowley Abbott Updates, Sale Updates.

William Kurelek, Hot Day in Kensington MarketToronto, ON (May 29, 2018) – Consignor Canadian Fine Art’s Spring Live Auction of Important Canadian Art, held Tuesday evening at Toronto’s Gardiner Museum, concluded with stellar results for a wide range of rare and quality artworks which celebrate Canada’s diverse history and culture.

Among the exemplary works up for bid was the auction debut of William Kurelek’s Toronto series masterpiece, Hot Day in Kensington Market, which more than tripled its opening bid, selling for $472,000 – the second highest auction price on record for the artist (all prices include an 18 percent buyer’s premium, the lowest in the Canadian auction industry).

A second painting by Kurelek entitled Hauling Hay also easily surpassed its pre-auction estimate, fetching $94,400.

The most surprising result of the evening was a record set for renowned Canadian war artist, Charles Comfort, whose oil on board titled, Smokestacks, Copper Cliff, sold for $33,040; six-times its auction estimate of $3,000- $5,000. The painting is one of several preparatory sketches to the final canvas, Smelter Stacks, Copper Cliff, which is housed in the National Gallery of Canada’s permanent collection.  The previous record for a Charles Comfort work of art was $20,700 (for Hope Island Light, Lake Huron, sold in 2005).

Solid auction results were also achieved for:

  • Emily Carr, Logged Land, a 1930s oil on paper on canvas support, sold for a strong price of $377,600
  • A.Y. Jackson, Ruisseau Jureux, 1931 oil on canvas painting sold for $88,500
  • Marcelle Ferron, Sans titre, an important canvas selling for $49,560, by the artist who was a major figure in the Quebec contemporary arts scene
  • Jean McEwen, Les Fiançailles No. 5, large-scale 75” X 75” oil on canvas by Montreal abstract master (auction estimate of $25,000 – $35,000) tripled its estimate at $88,500
  • A striking and rare 22-karat miniature gold sculpture by Haida artist and sculptor Bill Reid, Chief of the Undersea World sold for a strong $129,800
  • Daphne Odjig’s Family Ties, a 36” X 34” acrylic on canvas painted in 1981, which made its auction debut sold for $37,760

View full auction results by following this link.

About Consignor Canadian Fine Art

Since its inception in 2013, Consignor’s live and online auctions have included headline-grabbing works such as a rare 100-year-old Tom Thomson portrait (Daydreaming, sold for $172,500), an undiscovered William Kurelek (Ukrainian Proverb, sold for $41,400), and Jack Bush’s Summer Lake broke online auction records in May 2014 for the most expensive painting by a Canadian artist to be sold at an online auction ($310,500). Consignor’s inaugural live auction event in May 2016 set the record for the highest-selling Algoma sketch by Lawren Harris, fetching $977,500, tripling the previous auction record.

Consignor Canadian Fine Art is currently accepting consignments for its upcoming auctions, including the June Online Auction of Canadian and International Artwork, with bidding open at consignor.ca from June 6-13, 2018.

William Kurelek Masterpiece makes its Auction Debut at Consignor Spring Sale

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A stunning Emily Carr landscape; a 22-karat gold sculpture by renowned Haida artist Bill Reid and a enchanting canvas by trailblazer Daphne Odjig among highlights of Consignor’s Live Spring Auction, taking place May 29th in Toronto

April 23, 2018 (Toronto, ON) – Consignor Canadian Fine Art will be shining a celebratory spotlight on Canada’s diversity in its upcoming Spring Live Auction of Important Canadian Art on Tuesday, May 29 at the Gardiner Museum in Toronto. The auction debut of William Kurelek’s enduring masterpiece, Hot Day in Kensington Market (1972), is among the exemplary works on offer that reflect Canada’s unique multicultural communities from coast to coast.

Kurelek’s scene of Toronto’s bustling Kensington Market in the ‘70s depicts various nationalities of the people in the crowds to the local businesses including a Hungarian bakery, Jewish butcher shop and Portuguese fish market. The painting, still in its original frame (crafted by the artist), was one of 21 works by Kurelek that was part of an acclaimed exhibition, Toronto, which the artist described as ‘depicting the soul of the city.’ Although multiple paintings from the series have appeared at auction over the years, this will be the first time that Hot Day in Kensington Market will hit the auction block (auction estimate valued at $150,000 – $200,000).

“William Kurelek is one of Canada’s most celebrated artists and storytellers, beloved for his whimsical and charming themes ranging from his childhood memories of being raised on a Manitoba farm to his well-known Toronto series,” said Rob Cowley, President of Consignor. “Hot Day in Kensington Market is one of the most popular and appealing of his Toronto scenes, and it is regarded as a significant work by Kurelek collectors, presenting the painter’s unique narrative, celebrating Canadian identity, multiculturalism and the city he loved on a sweltering summer day.”

Consignor’s Spring auction will also feature two exceptional works from internationally acclaimed artists and Indigenous art vanguards, Daphne Odjig and Bill Reid. Odjig was the driving force behind the Professional Native Indian Artists Association, colloquially known at the time as the ‘Indian Group of Seven,’ and was integral in bringing the profile of Native art and artists to the mainstream foreground. Odjig’s Family Ties, a 36” X 34” acrylic on canvas painted in 1981, has never been offered at auction, coming to the block from a corporate Canadian collection (auction estimate of $30,000 – $40,000).

Haida artist Bill Reid was considered the unofficial eighth member of the artists group founded by Odjig. He made his mark as a sculptor, renowned for his monumental works depicting Haida art and life. Reid is widely credited with the innovative revitalization of Northwest Coast Native arts and has created jewellery, sculpture and art on various mediums from cedar to jade and precious metals. A striking and rare 22-karat miniature gold sculpture, Chief of the Undersea World (estimated value of $125,000 – $175,000) was carved during the production period of the 18-ft bronze killer whale monument outside of the Vancouver Aquarium. It will be the first gold edition of his iconic killer whale carvings to be offered at auction.

Other notable Canadian works of art that will be highlighted in Consignor’s live Spring auction include:

• Emily Carr, Logged Land, 23” x 34.75” oil on paper on canvas support (auction estimate of $275,000 – $325,000)
• A.Y. Jackson, Ruisseau Jureux, 1931 oil on canvas painting (auction estimate of $125,000 – $175,000)
• Marcelle Ferron, Sans titre, a major figure in the Quebec contemporary arts scene (auction estimate of $30,000 – $40,000)
• Jean McEwen, Les Fiançailles No. 5, a large-scale  canvas by Montreal abstract master (estimate $25,000 – $35,000)

Live previews begin May 1st at the Consignor Canadian Fine Art Gallery located at 326 Dundas Street W. and the auction is currently viewable at consignor.ca. Consignor’s Spring Live Auction of Important Canadian Art will take place on Tuesday, May 29 (7pm) at the Gardiner Museum located at 111 Queen’s Park, Toronto, ON.

Un chef-d’œuvre de William Kurelek fait ses débuts aux enchères chez Consignor

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Un paysage magnifique d’Emily Carr, une sculpture en or de 22 carats par le célèbre artiste Haïda Bill Reid et une toile enchanteresse de Daphne Odjig, sont parmi les points saillants de la vente aux enchères de Consignor, laquelle aura lieu le 29 mai à Toronto.

Consignor Canadian Fine Art soulignera la diversité du Canada lors de la prochaine vente en salle semestrielle qui aura lieu le mardi 29 mai au musée Gardiner à Toronto. Le chef-d’œuvre de William Kurelek, Hot Day in Kensington Market (1972), figure parmi les œuvres exemplaires qui reflètent le multiculturalisme du Canada d’un océan à l’autre.

La scène animée de Kurelek au marché Kensington à Toronto durant les années 70 représente diverses nationalités parmi les commerces locaux, y compris une boulangerie hongroise, une boucherie juive et un marché aux poissons portugais. Le tableau, toujours dans son cadre original (conçu par l’artiste), était l’une des 21 œuvres de Kurelek qui faisaient partie d’une exposition acclamée, « Toronto », que l’artiste décrit comme « représentant l’âme de la ville ». Bien que de nombreux tableaux de la série aient étés présentés aux enchères au cours des années, ce sera la première fois que Hot Day in Kensington Market sera sur le marché d’enchères (estimation de 150 000 $ – 200 000 $).

« William Kurelek est l’un des artistes et conteurs les plus célèbres du Canada, bien-aimé pour ses thèmes fantaisistes et charmants, allant de ses souvenirs d’enfance dans une ferme au Manitoba à sa série bien connue de Toronto », dit Rob Cowley, président de Consignor. « Hot Day in Kensington Market est l’une des scènes représentant Toronto les plus populaires et les plus attrayantes, et il est considéré comme un travail important par les collectionneurs de Kurelek, célébrant l’identité canadienne, le multiculturalisme et la ville que l’artiste adorait, lors d’une chaude journée d’été ».

La vente aux enchères du printemps de Consignor présentera également deux œuvres exceptionnelles d’artistes de renommée internationale et avant-gardistes de l’art autochtone, Daphne Odjig et Bill Reid. Odjig était la force motrice du groupe « The Professional Native Indian Artists Association », familièrement connue à l’époque sous le nom de « The Indian Group of Seven », et a contribué à faire connaître l’art autochtone au premier plan. Family Ties d’Odjig, une acrylique sur toile de 36” X 34″ peinte en 1981, n’a jamais été offerte aux enchères, venant d’une collection d’entreprise canadienne (estimation de 30 000 $ – 40 000 $).

L’artiste Haïda Bill Reid était considéré comme le huitième membre non officiel du groupe d’artistes fondé par Odjig. Il a fait sa marque en tant que sculpteur, réputé pour ses œuvres monumentales représentant l’art et la vie Haïda. Reid est largement reconnu pour la revitalisation des arts autochtones de la côte du Nord-Ouest; il a créé des bijoux, de la sculpture de divers médiums, y compris du cèdre, du jade et de métaux précieux. Une sculpture rare en or de 22 carats, « Chief of the Undersea World » (valeur estimée de 125 000 $ à 175 000 $) a été sculptée pendant la période de production du monument de 18 pi en bronze à l’extérieur de l’aquarium de Vancouver. Ce sera la première édition en or de ses sculptures emblématiques d’orques à être offerte aux enchères.

D’autres points saillants de la vente en salle du printemps 2018 de Consignor:

• Emily Carr, Logged Land, 23” x 34.75” huile sur papier montée sur toile (estimation 275 000 $ – 325 000 $)

• A.Y. Jackson, Ruisseau Jureux, 1931 huile sur toile (estimation 125 000 $ – 175 000 $)

• Marcelle Ferron, Sans titre, une figure majeure de la scène artistique québécoise (estimation 30 000 $ – 40 000 $)

• Jean McEwen, Les Fiançailles No. 5, une toile à grande échelle par un maître peintre Montréalais (estimation 25 000 $ – 35 000 $)

Les œuvres d’art sont présentement exposées à la galerie Consignor Canadian Fine Art, au 326, rue Dundas Ouest. Pour de plus amples renseignements sur l’exposition et la vente en salle, ainsi que pour accéder au catalogue en ligne, veuillez consulter le site internet consignor.ca. La vente se tiendra le mardi 29 mai, au musée Gardiner (111, Queen’s Park, Toronto).

The February Online Auction of Works on Paper, Prints & Books: A Guide for Emerging Collectors

Posted by & filed under Cowley Abbott Updates, How to, Sale Updates.

Consignor’s Online Auction of Works on Paper, Prints & Books is a fantastic place to begin for someone new to the world of collecting art. The February sale offers a selection of prints, drawings, oil and watercolour paintings, photography and books to choose from in a broad range of prices, for both the emerging and seasoned collector. Purchasing a work on paper is often a more affordable opportunity to own an original work of art, or a print by a prominent artist whose original works are less accessible.

Presented below are some great examples of quality artworks offered in the February auction, all of which have estimates below $1000. Browse by your preferred subject matter, from calming landscapes, still lifes and street scenes to bold abstracts and expressive figural works. Keep in mind there is a total of 237 lots in the auction, so please visit our online catalogue for the entire selection.

LANDSCAPES

Robert McInnis, Farm in Sunshine

Lot #219: RFM McInnis
Farm in Sunshine
watercolour, 9 x 12 ins
Estimated: $150.00 – $200.00

Tom Forrestall, Lumber DealerLot #85: Thomas de Vany Forrestall
Lumber Dealer
watercolour, 9 x 12 ins
Estimated: $700.00 – $900.00

Read more »

2017 In Review: A Year of Continued Success

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As we reflect on the past year, Consignor Canadian Fine Art wishes to extend our sincere appreciation to our clients and the Canadian art community for its continued support and participation throughout a momentous and record-breaking 2017.

On November 23rd, Consignor held its Fall Live Auction of Important Canadian Art, the second of our semi-annual live auctions taking place at the Gardiner Museum. The sale presented a strong and well-rounded selection of artworks spanning across Canadian art history. Compositions by historical artists from Cornelius Krieghoff to the Group of Seven and the Beaver Hall Group were well represented in the sale. The auction also featured abstract paintings by members of post-war movements, including the Automatistes and Painters Eleven, as well as works by east coast realist painters and contemporary Canadian artists.  Continue Reading…

Lawren Harris Record Smashed during Strong Consignor Fall Live Auction

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Lawren Harris, Lake SuperiorLake Superior Fetches $161,100, Almost Tripling Previous Auction Record for a Work on Paper by the Group of Seven Artist

(Toronto – November 23, 2017) – The preparatory work for of one of Lawren Harris’ most renowned canvases, Lake Superior (I.D. 463) sold for nearly five times its auction value setting a new record for a pencil sketch by the Group of Seven artist, fetching $161,000 (significantly above its pre-estimate of $20,000 – $30,000; all prices include a 15 per cent buyer’s premium, the lowest in the industry). The sketch made its auction debut last night at Consignor Canadian Fine Art’s live auction event in Toronto, smashing the previous record for a Harris sketch of $64,900. The exceptional quality of the sketchpad drawing, once owned by the painter’s wife, Bess Harris, along with its rarity and historical significance, helped to propel the bidding to achieve a new auction standard for a Harris work on paper.

“Although we anticipated this exceptional work would garner significant interest, we’re thrilled to have achieved a new record result for this important piece of narrative in Harris’s creative process, particularly a sketch that is connected to one of his masterpieces,” said Rob Cowley, President of Consignor Canadian Fine Art. “Today’s results continue to illustrate Harris as one of our country’s most celebrated and iconic artists.”

Another highlight of Consignor’s fall auction was a watercolour painted in 1911 by Emily Carr during her artistic training in France.  European Street Scene nearly doubled its opening bid to sell for $276,000 (including premium).  The painting was one of many notable works acquired this past summer during Consignor’s Art Roadshow that travelled to 10 cities from coast-to-coast, inviting the public to bring in works of art for valuation. European Street Scene emerged out of the firm’s visit to Calgary during the tour.

Solid auction results were also achieved for the following works collected from across Canada:

  • A.J. Casson, Bridge Over Humber River, one of the first outdoor sketches by the artist, sold for $32,200, exceeding its pre-sale high estimate. Consigned from a collector in British Columbia.
  • Alex Colville, Recording Line Zero, Near Nijmegen, a rare war-period watercolour fetched $34,500, one of the highest prices ever achieved for a work on paper by the artist. Secured from a collection in New Brunswick.
  • Three Black Cats by Maud Lewis, the most popular subject by the East Coast artist, fetched $20,700 (doubling its opening bid, $10,000 – $15,000). This was another work discovered during Consignor’s Art Roadshow in Ottawa. The painting, inherited from the owner’s mother, was tucked away in the family’s basement for decades. It was secured during Consignor’s summer travels when a friend had alerted the owner to the possibility she owned a popular and valuable Maud Lewis work, after seeing a similar painting in the news that was sold by Consignor in the spring for $36,800 (an auction record for the artist). It was a tremendous evening for the work of Maud Lewis, with all seven works on offer achieving prices in excess of the high-end of pre-sale expectation and one rare, large-scale painting, Team of Oxen Ploughing, selling for $32,200, within reach of Consignor’s existing auction record for the painter.

Post-War and Contemporary selections attracted fierce bidding throughout the evening auction, with many works achieving prices at or above pre-auction estimates.

Featured on the front cover of the Fall Auction catalogue, Michael Snow‘s 1958 canvas Off Minor attracted strong bidding on Thursday evening, the rare painting selling for $57,500, at the high end of expectation. The painting had been held in a single Toronto collection for decades following its creation, the Consignor auction its first opportunity for acquisition since the late 1950s.

Consignor Vice President and Senior Specialist Lydia Abbott shared, “We are thrilled with the performance of our catalogue cover lot by Michael Snow, a result which underscores collector’s interest in the period of the artist’s career as well as the significance of the period in Canadian art history.”

Two works by Prairies painter William Kurelek captivated collectors during Consignor’s month-long previews, leading to feverish competition within the auction gallery, Arrived Too Early achieving $29,900 (just short of doubling its estimate) and I Hate Water (A Cat’s Loss of Dignity), portraying a feline’s unexpected dip in a pond, selling for $25,300 (exceeding the high-end of expectation).

Saskatchewan painter William Perehudoff‘s canvases proved to be in demand during the evening, AC-78-20 nearly doubled its opening bid to sell for $27,600, while Arcturus #32 was hammered down at $14,950, to more than double its opening bid after a battle in the auction gallery.

Consignor Canadian Fine Art closes their fall sale with a November/December Online Auction (with bidding open between November 29th and December 6th). The firm has already begun collecting for their 2018 auctions, including the Spring Live Auction of Important Canadian Art, scheduled to take place in late May (date to be announced).

Consignor’s Fall Live Auction & the Story of Abstract Art in Canada

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William Perehudoff, AC-78-20

William Perehudoff, AC-78-20

Auction Showcases Important Non-Figurative Works in Canadian Art History

Consignor’s Fall Live Auction of Canadian Art presents an impressive selection of abstract painting from artists across the country and through the decades. Early ventures into abstraction in Canada occurred in the 1920s and 1930s, although they were sporadic and inconsistent. These artists, notably Kathleen Munn, Bertram Brooker, Lawren Harris and Jock MacDonald, were heavily influenced by European artistic movements, namely Cubism, Surrealism and Symbolism. An examination of the abstract works in Consignor’s November sale can help illustrate the story of how abstraction emerged and developed throughout Canada in the following decades.

Jean Paul Riopelle, Sans Titre (1946)In the 1940s, Montreal gave rise to the highly-influential Automatistes, Canada’s first avant-garde art movement. Under the leadership of Paul-Émile Borduas, a group of young artists rebelled against their artistically conservative and politically and religiously repressive province. They strove for creative spontaneity, free from academic rules.

After reading André Breton’s “Le Surréalisme et la peinture” in 1945, Jean-Paul Riopelle was inspired to break away from tradition to pursue non-representational painting. The young artist created several small watercolours in the next two years, consisting of web-like black lines, inspired by Surrealism and Breton’s automatic writing techniques, such as Sans titre of 1946, lot 6 in Consignor’s November sale.

Marcelle Ferron, Sans Titre (1949)Another member of the Automatistes, Marcelle Ferron was encouraged by Borduas to abandon landscape painting in favour of a more radical abstraction. From 1946 to 1953, Ferron preferred a ‘sgraffito’ technique, applying multiple layers of pigment and scraping away between applications with a palette knife. This signature approach of Ferron is exemplified in the colourful layers of paint in Sans titre (1949), lot 101 in the Live Auction.

Harold Town, Clandeboy RepriseIn the following decade abstraction spread across Canada. Toronto exploded as an art centre in the 1950s, largely influenced by the Abstract Expressionists in New York. Harold Town was a founder and member of the Painters Eleven, a group of Toronto abstract artists that exhibited together during the 1950s. Rich colour and thick paint application, as exemplified in Clandeboy Reprise (1959), lot 71, are characteristic of Town’s approach to abstraction, inspired by the New York School.

Michael Snow, Off Minor (1958)Contemporary artist Michael Snow exhibited in Toronto in the mid-to-late 1950s at the Greenwich Gallery. Though today he is known as a pioneer of conceptualist and multimedia art throughout the world, Snow’s work of these years were also heavily influenced by American abstract artists such as De Kooning, Kline, and Rothko. Off Minor (1958), lot 25 in Consignor’s November auction, exemplifies Snow’s affiliation with avant-garde abstract movements at the time, shortly prior to creating his famous Walking Woman Works.

A notable and influential group of Canadian abstract artists formed in Regina in the 1960s, known as the Regina Five. Founding member Ron Bloore was instrumental in starting the Emma Lake workshops as a way for practising artists to break from the artistic isolation they felt in the prairies. As a professor of art history and archaeology, the influence of archeological excavation and ancient civilizations worked their way into Bloore’s painting.The monochromatic palette of Untitled, lot 86, references the white marble buildings and sculptures of ancient Greece and the Classical period.

Ron Bloore, UntitledDuring the Emma Lake Artists’ Workshops held in 1962-63, Saskatchewan artist William Perehudoff was introduced to Post-Painterly Abstraction by art critic Clement Greenberg and American artist Kenneth Noland. Many of the artist’s wide horizontal canvases of the mid-to-late 1970s are composed of vibrant parallel bands of colour, such as AC-78-20, lot 11 in the live auction. The effect of the flat plains and open skies that are so dramatically present throughout Saskatchewan is often detectable in Perehudoff’s work – AC-78-20 may be evocative of a prairie sunset.

Jack Shadbolt, Sea Edge 5

Jack Shadbolt was an innovative and dominant figure in the Vancouver art scene beginning in the 1940s. Shadbolt drew from many sources of inspiration, including Cubism, Surrealism, American Regionalism and Northwest Coast art. The artist met Emily Carr in 1930 while attending Victoria College. Carr left a strong impression on Shadbolt’s life and work; they were both inspired by the spiritual unity with nature that is apparent in Northwest Coast art. Sea Edge 5 (1978), lot 9, is exemplary of Jack Shadbolt’s bold and colourful work of the late seventies. Sea Edge 5 serves as part of a series on the theme of abstracted seascapes, and Contexts: Variations on Primavera Theme, lot 10, is one of 15 hand-painted posters of the ‘primavera’ theme, which together form a mosaic-like mural.

Leon Bellefleur, RituelAbstract painting in Canada has continued to evolve through a multitude of approaches in the 1970s, 80s and through to today. Lot 8, Rituel, by Léon Bellefleur, Lot 31, Spring Yellows – B by Gershon Iskowitz, and Lot 103, Les feuilles d’un astre by Jean-Paul Jérôme, among many other non-figurative artworks in Consignor’s Fall Live Auction, demonstrate the enduring development of unique abstract styles throughout the country, from the ‘gestural’ to the ‘hard-edge’. Visit our gallery and view the full catalogue on the Consignor website for more artworks and details regarding the Fall Live Auction of Important Canadian Art on November 23rd at the Gardiner Museum.

La vente d’automne de Consignor et l’histoire de l’art abstrait au Canada

Posted by & filed under Cowley Abbott News & Press, Cowley Abbott Updates.

William Perehudoff, AC-78-20

William Perehudoff, AC-78-20

Chefs-d’œuvre d’art non-figuratifs au cœur de la vente en salle

La vente automnale d’art canadien de Consignor présente une sélection impressionnante d’oeuvres abstraites d’artistes à travers le pays et à travers les époques. Les premières incursions dans l’abstraction au Canada ont eu lieu durant les années 1920 et 1930, bien qu’elles aient été sporadiques et incohérentes. Ces artistes, notamment Kathleen Munn, Bertram Brooker, Lawren Harris et Jock MacDonald, ont été fortement influencés par les mouvements artistiques européens, à savoir le cubisme, le surréalisme et le symbolisme. Un examen des œuvres abstraites qui feront partie de la vente de novembre de Consignor peut servir comme illustration historique de la façon dont l’abstraction est apparue et s’est développée à travers le Canada au cours des décennies qui ont suivi.

Jean Paul Riopelle, Sans Titre (1946)Durant les années 1940, Montréal a donné naissance aux Automatistes, le premier mouvement artistique « avant-garde » au Canada. Sous la direction de Paul-Émile Borduas, un groupe de jeunes artistes s’est rebellé contre leur province artistiquement conservatrice, ainsi que politiquement et religieusement répressive. Après la lecture de « Le Surréalisme et la peinture » d’André Breton en 1945, Jean-Paul Riopelle a décidé de rompre avec la tradition afin de poursuivre la peinture non-figurative. Au cours des deux prochaines années, le jeune artiste crée plusieurs aquarelles de petite taille et composées de lignes entrelacées, tel que Sans titre (1946), lot 6 dans la vente de novembre de Consignor. Ces oeuvres ont étées inspirées du surréalisme et des techniques d’écriture automatique de Breton.

Un autre membre des Automatistes, Marcelle Ferron a également été encouragée par Borduas Marcelle Ferron, Sans Titre (1949)à abandonner la peinture de paysage en faveur d’une abstraction plus radicale. De 1946 à 1953, Ferron préfère une technique de « sgraffito » : elle a appliqué plusieurs couches de pigments et gratté la surface avec un couteau à palette entre chaque application. Ce style personnel de Ferron est apparent dans les couches de peinture colorées de Sans titre (1949), lot 101 dans la vente aux enchères.

Harold Town, Clandeboy RepriseAu cours de la décennie suivante, l’abstraction s’est répandue à travers le Canada. Toronto a explosé en tant que centre d’art dans les années 1950, largement influencée par les expressionnistes abstraits de New York. Harold Town était membre fondateur du « Painters Eleven », un groupe d’artistes abstraits de Toronto qui ont exposé ensemble durant les années 1950. Les couleurs vivantes et les coups de pinceaux épais, comme illustrés dans Clandeboy Reprise (1959), lot 71, sont caractéristiques du style de Town, inspiré par le « New York School ».

Michael Snow, Off Minor (1958)L’artiste contemporain Michael Snow exposait du milieu à la fin des années 1950 au Greenwich Gallery à Toronto. Bien qu’aujourd’hui il est reconnu mondialement comme un pionnier de l’art conceptualiste et multimédia, le travail de Snow de ces années a également été fortement influencé par les artistes abstraits américains tels que De Kooning, Kline et Rothko. Off Minor (1958), le lot 25 dans la vente aux enchères de Consignor en novembre, démontre l’affiliation de Snow avec les mouvements abstraits d’avant-garde de l’époque, peu avant la création de ses célèbres « Walking Woman Works ».

Un groupe notable d’artistes abstraits canadiens s’est formé à Regina dans les années 1960, connu sous le nom de Regina Five. Ron Bloore, membre fondateur, a joué un rôle déterminant dans le lancement de l’École des beaux-arts d’Emma Lake afin de permettre aux artistes de rompre avec l’isolement qu’ils ressentaient dans les Prairies. En tant que professeur d’histoire de l’art et d’archéologie, l’influence des fouilles archéologiques et des civilisations anciennes a fait son chemin dans la peinture de Bloore. La palette monochrome de Untitled, lot 86, fait référence aux bâtiments et sculptures en marbre blanc de la Grèce antique et de la période classique.

Ron Bloore, UntitledDurant les sessions à Emma Lake tenus en 1962-1963, l’artiste de la Saskatchewan William Perehudoff a été présenté à « Post-Painterly Abstraction » par le critique d’art Clement Greenberg et l’artiste américain Kenneth Noland. Plusieures des grandes toiles horizontales de Perehudoff du milieu à la fin des années 1970 sont composées de bandes de couleurs vibrantes et parallèles, tel que AC-78-20, lot 11 dans la vente aux enchères. Dans les travaux de Perehudoff, la référence aux plaines et aux ciels ouverts de la Saskatchewan est souvent détectable – AC-78-20 peut évoquer un coucher de soleil dans les prairies.

Jack Shadbolt, Sea Edge 5Jack Shadbolt était une figure novatrice et dominante de la scène artistique de Vancouver à partir des années 1940. Shadbolt a tiré de nombreuses sources d’inspiration, y compris le cubisme, le surréalisme, le régionalisme américain et l’art de la côte du Nord-Ouest. L’artiste a rencontré Emily Carr en 1930 alors qu’il fréquentait Victoria College. Cette dernière a laissé une forte impression sur la vie et le travail de Shadbolt; ils ont tous deux été inspirés par l’unité spirituelle avec la nature qui se manifeste dans l’art de la côte du Nord-Ouest. Sea Edge 5 (1978), lot 9, sert comme exemple du travail audacieux et coloré de Jack Shadbolt de la fin des années 1970, et Contexts: Variations on Primavera Theme, lot 10, est l’une des quinze affiches peintes à la main avec le thème « primavera ». Ensemble, ces quinze affiches forment une murale.

Leon Bellefleur, RituelLa peinture abstraite au Canada a continué d’évoluer à travers une multitude d’approches dans les années 1970, 1980 et aujourd’hui. Lot 8, Rituel, de Léon Bellefleur, Lot 31, Spring Yellows – B de Gershon Iskowitz, et Lot 103, Les feuilles d’un astre de Jean-Paul Jérôme, parmi beaucoup d’autres œuvres d’art non-figuratives dans la vente automnale de Consignor, démontrent le développement de styles abstraits uniques dans l’ensemble du pays, du style « gestural » au « hard-edge ». Visitez notre galerie et consultez le catalogue complet sur le site internet de Consignor pour plus d’œuvres d’art et de détails concernant la vente automnale d’art canadien, laquelle se tiendra le 23 novembre au musée Gardiner.