Find Lots

• Auction House:
  Davidson Auctions
• Sale Name:
  A Special Timed Auction - Provenance: Family of the Artist
• Sale Date:
  13 Jul 2020 ~ 7pm (AEST)
• Lot #:
  22
• Lot Description:
  John Coburn
  (1925-2006)
  "Warana", 1981
  Oil on Canvas
  166 x 212cm
• Notes:
  This painting was seminal in the development of John Coburn's practice, marking an important transition from earlier euro-centric influences to a renewed focus on aboriginal art and a broader notion of Australian culture. 'Warana' was painted at a time of deep contemplation for Coburn, in what was perhaps his most profound and reflective period, as he dealt with the long-term illness of his wife, Barbara. The work shares a similar scale, symbolism and palette with one of his best known paintings, 'Tribe', which he produced the same year and gifted to the Art Gallery of NSW in 1985 in memory of his wife. The discrete shapes and earthy palette of 'Warana' are directly relatable to 'Tribe', harmonising the aesthetics of Matisse and Rothko with the motifs and totems of indigenous artists such as Paddy Bedford and Rover Thomas. This major painting successfully captures the maturity of Coburn's distinctly Australian abstract visual language and digs deep into the heart and spirituality of a shared and collective Australian experience. "I feel that I am part of a continuing tradition that goes back to the beginnings of European culture but I am also an Australian living on the other side of the world in a country much closer to Asia than to Europe. We are in the process of forming transition and are absorbing many influences. We are in the process of forming our own unique culture. After 200 years, for example, we are just beginning to understand the Aborigines and are realising that they have much to offer us." John Coburn "'Warana' was painted in the St Ives studio and first exhibited at the David Reid Gallery, Sydney, in 1981. Warana is a derivative of the indigenous word Aroona possibly meaning beautiful place and the word Kawana meaning wildflowers." Stephen Coburn Dr Ian Geraghty
• Estimate:
  A$45,000 - 55,000
• Realised Price:
  *****
  

  Can't see the realised price? Upgrade your subscription now!

• Category:
  Art

This Sale has been held and this item is no longer available. Details are provided for information purposes only.