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LOT 003

BCSFA CGP CPE OC RCA
1919 - 2020
Canadian

Shannon Falls E5
acrylic on canvas
signed and on verso titled and dated 1989 on the gallery label
50 x 36 in, 127 x 91.4 cm

Estimate: $50,000 - $70,000 CAD

Sold for: $52,650

Preview at: Heffel Vancouver

PROVENANCE
Equinox Gallery, Vancouver
Private Estate, Vancouver

LITERATURE
Ian M. Thom and Andrew Hunter, Gordon Smith: The Act of Painting, Vancouver Art Gallery, 1997, page 48


The mid-1980s brought about a shift in Gordon Smith’s approach to painting, resulting in a dramatic change in the aesthetic of his works. Smith’s palette moved away from the bright blues, soft mauves and pale pinks that surfaced in the Cumberland Basin series, and became earthier, reflecting the atmosphere of the moist West Coast rain forest. Starting in 1985, Smith made a series of visits to Shannon Falls. On contemplating the natural vertical form of the falls, Smith began to experiment with verticality in his canvases, marking a departure from the horizontality of his images of the 1960s, 1970s and early 1980s. Smith’s initial paintings of Shannon Falls were realistic representations of the area; however, as the series progressed, the images became further abstracted. In his description of the Shannon Falls series, Ian Thom states, “Here brushwork and colour are used with an abandon perhaps not seen since the work of the early fifties.” Shannon Falls E5 combines Smith’s affection for the landscape with his awareness and mastery of the physical qualities of paint.


Estimate: $50,000 - $70,000 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.