Canadian Fine Art Auction

May 25, 2015

LOT 115

Lot 115

ROBERT HEDRICK

ROBERT HEDRICK
Lot 115 Details
ROBERT HEDRICK

UNTITLED ABSTRACT, 1961

oil on canvas
signed and dated ‘61; also signed and dated on the reverse
50 ins x 36 ins; 127 cms x 91.4 cms

Estimate $5,000-$7,000

Realised: $4,130
Price Includes Buyer's Premium ?

Lot Report

Additional Images
ROBERT HEDRICK
  • ROBERT HEDRICK
Provenance:

Canadian Fine Art Gallery, Toronto

Note:

Robert Hedrick belonged to the second generation of Toronto abstract artists who showed at the Isaacs Gallery in the 1960s. In a 1961 article on Hedrick for Canadian Art magazine, critic Robert Fulford described the artist’s practice as “discipline in action” because he typically tackled one artistic problem at a time through a number of works until he had solved it.

Untitled Abstract is one of several canvases from this period in which the artist was concerned with making forms move in space. Masses of earthy colours and black float across the surface forming patterns suggested by a primary wash, creating an overall effect characteristic of Abstract Expressionism. The painting process is visible in that the thinned-down paint has been allowed to drip into adjacent areas, (note the orange mass in the upper right corner) which gives the work a look of spontaneity and “chance.” Hedrick has nonetheless given careful consideration to the interplay of space, colour and rhythm so that the element of chance has been held in check by his adherence to a set of formal standards, as Fulford observed. Hedrick believed that his sculpture, first exhibited in 1961, shared an underlying naturalism with his painting of the period.

CONDITION DETAILS

For condition information please contact the specialist.

LOT 115
×

About Condition Ratings

  • 5 Stars: Excellent - No discernable damage, flaws or imperfections
  • 4 Stars: Very Good - Minor flaws or imperfections visible only under close inspection using specialised instruments or black light
  • 3 Stars: Good - Minor flaws visible upon inspection under standard lighting
  • 2 Stars: Fair - Exhibits flaws or damage that may draw the eye under standard lighting
  • 1 Star: Poor - Flaws or damage immediately apparent under standard lighting (examples: missing components, rips, broken glass, damaged surfaces, etc.)

Note: Condition ratings and condition details are the subjective opinions of our specialists and should be used as a guide only. Waddington’s uses due care when preparing condition details, however, our staff are not professional restorers or conservators. Condition details and reports are not warranties and each lot is sold “as is” in accordance with the buyer’s terms and conditions of sale. In all cases the prospective purchaser is responsible for inspecting the property themselves prior to placing a bid.