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 at home. By the 1960s, he was considered the most famous artist in Canada. One of the most remarkable characteristics of his career is his alternating between working in figuration and abstraction.
From 1972 through 1977, Town created "Vale Variations", a series of works that drew inspiration from a single pen and ink drawing by his friend, Florence Vale. These drawings typically have three key representational elements: nude silhouettes (often evocative of Matisse), angels, and a mountain. While the color and details varied, there was consistently a playful exploration of form and line work. The series is easily recognizable for its graphic forms and allusions to mythology.
This Vale Variation is a striking early work from the years-long series. The drawing reimagines Vale's original work, "Pyramid of Roses," infusing it with a remarkable motion and mystery. Jumbled across the picture plane, each figure is rendered delicately and emphatically. Despite the underlying cohesion, each form has individual characteristics, their limbs and features expertly shaded. Town's use of charcoal emphasizes the textured quality of the thick cream paper substrate, adding to the delicate and intentioned feeling of the work.
Bound by the subject matter, "Vale Variations" offered the artist an avenue to challenge his expansive imagination and unwavering commitment to his artistic evolution. This drawing is a particularly spectacular work from the series. See a later Vale Variation here.
Today, 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).
Questions about this piece? Contact us, call +1.416.704.1720, or visit our Toronto gallery.
"Vale Variation #24"
Canada, 1972
Charcoal on paper
Signed and dated, upper right
Signed, dated, titled, and variously annotated, verso
21.25"H 31.75"W (work)
Very good condition
Provenance: The Estate of Harold Town (inventory no. 7589)
Note: price is $3,500 CAD
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