Bright Red #2
212.7 cms x 182.9 cms (83.74 ins x 72 ins)
On verso signed, titled and dated may 1972
Lot offered for sale by Heffel, Vancouver at the auction event "November Live Auction 2017, Toronto Live auction" held on Wed, Nov 22, 2017.
Lot 059
Lot 059
Estimate: CAD $15,000 - $25,000
Realised: CAD $55,250
Realised: CAD $55,250
Lot description - from the online catalogue*
Provenance:
Studio of the Artist
Carmen Lamanna Gallery, Toronto
Galerie Michael Werner, Cologne
Exhibitions:
Carmen Lamanna Gallery, Toronto, Ron Martin, December 30, 1972 - January 18, 1973, catalogue #25
National Gallery of Canada, Ottawa, Boucherville, Montreal, Toronto, London, 1973: An Exhibition, July 5 – September 3, 1973, catalogue #26
Galerie Michael Werner, Cologne, Ron Martin: Bilder 1971 - 76, July 3 - 31, 1978
Literature:
Brydon Smith and Pierre Théberge, Boucherville, Montreal, Toronto, London, 1973: An Exhibition, National Gallery of Canada, 1973, reproduced, unpaginated
Notes:
In Bright Red #2, Ronald Martin’s belief in the possibility of paint to act as subject matter is evident, as he focuses on the manipulation of his material to create a work exclusively concerned with the physicality of paint. In the catalogue for the 1973 National Gallery of Canada exhibition where 14 of Martin’s red paintings were shown, Martin states that colour can “be totally representational of both its being and its appearance.” During the 1950s and 1960s, the art world experienced a period of anxiety regarding the adequacy of art to translate meaning from the artist to the viewer. Reminiscent of the Action Painting of previous decades, the vibrant red paint applied in whirling strokes results in an exciting experience for the viewer. Martin conveys the movement of his body in his composition, and the gestural shapes create an active and moving composition made even more vibrant by his red-hot hues.
This painting was exhibited at the prestigious Galerie Michael Werner, one of the most important contemporary art dealers in the world, which exhibits Peter Doig and has helped to foster many artists’ careers.
Studio of the Artist
Carmen Lamanna Gallery, Toronto
Galerie Michael Werner, Cologne
Exhibitions:
Carmen Lamanna Gallery, Toronto, Ron Martin, December 30, 1972 - January 18, 1973, catalogue #25
National Gallery of Canada, Ottawa, Boucherville, Montreal, Toronto, London, 1973: An Exhibition, July 5 – September 3, 1973, catalogue #26
Galerie Michael Werner, Cologne, Ron Martin: Bilder 1971 - 76, July 3 - 31, 1978
Literature:
Brydon Smith and Pierre Théberge, Boucherville, Montreal, Toronto, London, 1973: An Exhibition, National Gallery of Canada, 1973, reproduced, unpaginated
Notes:
In Bright Red #2, Ronald Martin’s belief in the possibility of paint to act as subject matter is evident, as he focuses on the manipulation of his material to create a work exclusively concerned with the physicality of paint. In the catalogue for the 1973 National Gallery of Canada exhibition where 14 of Martin’s red paintings were shown, Martin states that colour can “be totally representational of both its being and its appearance.” During the 1950s and 1960s, the art world experienced a period of anxiety regarding the adequacy of art to translate meaning from the artist to the viewer. Reminiscent of the Action Painting of previous decades, the vibrant red paint applied in whirling strokes results in an exciting experience for the viewer. Martin conveys the movement of his body in his composition, and the gestural shapes create an active and moving composition made even more vibrant by his red-hot hues.
This painting was exhibited at the prestigious Galerie Michael Werner, one of the most important contemporary art dealers in the world, which exhibits Peter Doig and has helped to foster many artists’ careers.
Most realised prices include the Buyer's Premium of 18-25%, but not the HST/GST Tax.
(*) Text and/or Image might be subject matter of Copyright. Check with Heffel auction house for permission to use.
(*) Text and/or Image might be subject matter of Copyright. Check with Heffel auction house for permission to use.