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LOT 010

BCSFA CGP CSGA OC RAIC RCA
1909 - 1976
Canadian

Black Sun & Sea Symbols
oil on board
signed and dated 1951 and on verso titled and inscribed "$40." on the artist's label
6 1/2 x 18 in, 16.5 x 45.7 cm

Estimate: $25,000 - $35,000 CAD

Preview at: Heffel Toronto – 13 Hazelton Ave

PROVENANCE
Acquired directly from the Artist in 1951 by a Private Collection, Vancouver
Sold sale of Canadian Post-War & Contemporary Art, Heffel Fine Art Auction House, November 19, 2008, lot 5
Masters Gallery Ltd., Vancouver
Private Collection, Toronto

LITERATURE
Abraham J. Rogatnick et al., editors, B.C. Binning, 2006, essay by Ian M. Thom, page 132


In Black Sun & Sea Symbols, we see a shift starting to take place in B.C. Binning’s work. Although the title indicates sea symbols, he is moving away from the nautical motifs we see in Gay Regatta with Purple Sun (Second Version), lot 9 in this sale, into a realm of pure geometric form and a more sober formalism. As Ian Thom wrote, “The impulse to abstraction, ‘the idea of form, space, colour, texture,’ led a willingness to explore considerable degrees of abstraction on Binning’s part.” This led to his abstract geometrical Piet Mondrian-like paintings of the mid-1950s and the simplified, abstracted landscape-based paintings of the 1960s.

In this graphic work, Binning’s colour palette is not naturalistic, reinforcing the abstract nature of the shapes. His background of fluid black lines over creamy white creates the illusion of a field in motion, pushing his shapes forward to hover at the front of the painting plane. His modernist approach creates an image of balance, elegance, order and completeness, a world that defines itself.


Estimate: $25,000 - $35,000 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.