Description:

MALCOLM MORLEY (BRITISH-AMERICAN 1931-2018)
Untitled Abstraction, 1957
oil on canvas
102 x 127 cm (40 1/8 x 50 in.)
framed dimensions: 104 x 129 cm (41 x 50 3/4 in.)
signed and dated lower right, inscribed on verso

LOT NOTES
Born in London in 1931, Malcolm Morley's artistic journey was shaped by his experiences throughout his formative years. Growing up during the tumultuous period of World War II, he witnessed the destruction and chaos that would eventually become recurring themes in his artwork. In the 1950s, after graduating from school in London, he moved to New York where he got exposed to o the works of abstract expressionists such as Lee Krasner, Willem de Kooning and Jackson Pollock and emerged into the vibrant art scene, that would significantly shape his artistic development.
Morley's early works were characterized by a meticulous attention to detail and an obsession with capturing reality. He developed a style known as hyperrealism, where he meticulously recreated photographs with astonishing precision. However, Morley soon grew dissatisfied with the limitations of hyperrealism and embarked on a new artistic path, he started pushing the boundaries of his own work, refusing to be confined to a single style or approach. In the 1980s, Morley embraced a more expressionistic style, incorporating bold colors, gestural brushwork, and abstract elements into his compositions. This departure from photorealism showcased his versatility and the depth of his artistic vision. The Untitled Abstraction is a great example of such work. Exploring the relationship between representation and perception and distorting and fragmenting images and shapes, he challenged viewers to question the reliability of their own visual experiences.

  • Condition: CONDITION
    Observed in frame, overall visible craquelure, rubbing and some paint loss along the perimeter. UV light inspection showed medium varnish and no signs of retouching.

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June 15, 2023 10:00 AM EDT
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