Sold for: $73,250

PROVENANCE
Equinox Gallery, Vancouver
Estate of Mary and Harry Klonoff, Vancouver

North American Success Story, at first glance a seemingly uncomplicated image, is a wonderful example of all the elements that make William Kurelek’s work hold our attention and tease us into asking a few questions about his true intent, while admiring his subject. Never shy to reveal his criticism of social inequities and the moral failings of his fellow man, here he paints a pretty picture, but one that is also a comment on the middle-class goals of his era—the nuclear family, the suburban house, and two cars in the driveway. By all accounts, Kurelek likely did not share those ambitions, but in creating the desired frame for this work, he showcases his ability to produce brilliant trompe l’oeil images, while offering another subtle bit of fun for the viewer to discover. In regard to frames, it is notable that the catalogue for the 2011 retrospective exhibition William Kurelek: The Messenger concludes with a chapter titled “The Necessary Frame: William Kurelek as Picture Framer,” a memoir by Brian Dedora. A skilled framer in his own right, Dedora was mentored by the artist when they both worked at the Isaacs Gallery, where Kurelek had started in 1960.

The interior image measures 10 x 15 inches. This work is in the original frame made by Kurelek, as reproduced above.

For the biography on Mary and Harry Klonoff in PDF format please click here.

All prices are in Canadian Dollars