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LOT 026

ARCA OC OSA
1927 - 1977
Canadian

Soft Snow Below
mixed media on board
initialed and dated 1973 and on verso titled
9 1/8 x 14 in, 23.2 x 35.6 cm

Estimate: $20,000 - $30,000 CAD

Sold for: $97,250

Preview at: Heffel Toronto – 13 Hazelton Ave

PROVENANCE
Acquired directly from the Artist by the present Private Collection, Ontario

LITERATURE
William Kurelek, A Prairie Boy’s Winter, 1973, unpaginated


An important part of William Kurelek’s oeuvre records the activities of his Ukrainian childhood on a Manitoba farm, from farm chores to play. His book A Prairie Boy’s Winter was dedicated to “everyone who ever spent a winter on the prairies - and for all the others who wonder what it was like.” In the winter, children made their own unsupervised fun with homemade ice rinks and hockey games, built forts and had snowball wars, and played games in the snow like Fox and Geese. After blizzards, the snowdrifts were so high that they made tunnels and caves in them. In this charming work full of delightful details, children plunge over the crest of a huge, built-up drift that is ideal for this spontaneous, freestyle fun. Jumping feet-first and head-first into the soft, pillowy snow, they show their glee, with the exception of one boy, who seems worried about the proximity of the diver. The brightness of the children’s clothing against the snow adds a jaunty feeling to the scene. Soft Snow Below is a delightful example of Kurelek’s keen recall of the optimistic spirit of children, here undaunted by the frozen landscape

This work is in the original frame made by Kurelek.


Estimate: $20,000 - $30,000 CAD

All prices are in Canadian Dollars


Although great care has been taken to ensure the accuracy of the information posted, errors and omissions may occur. All bids are subject to our Terms and Conditions of Business. Bidders must ensure they have satisfied themselves with the condition of the Lot prior to bidding. Condition reports are available upon request.