Large-scale promotion SAM GILLIAM "LIGHT SHADE" 1967

Harold Town (1924-1990) remains one of the best-known and most intriguing artists from the "Painters Eleven" group. 

Town's reputation was established in the late 1950s with a series of mysterious unique abstract prints ("Single Autographic Prints") that included collage elements. In 1956, he represented Canada at the Venice Biennale with these works. 

Over the following decades, the artist continued reinventing his aesthetic, regularly changing medium and mood. He was nicknamed the Picasso of Canada due to his constant evolution. By the mid-1960s, he was considered as Canada's most famous artist. 

While Town made a significant contribution to Canadian abstraction, he created figurative works throughout his career. 

His "Toy Horse" series is arguably his most successful and iconic body of figurative work. Inspired by a Christmas gift, Town reimagined the subject through a number of variations during 1976-1983, ranging from stylized ink drawings to meticulous almost wire-like geometric designs. 

In “Toy Horse #179,” Town forms his subject by creating shapes out of parallel lines. The result is reminiscent of Sol LeWitt and geometric 1960s Op art.

Click here to see another example of Town’s toy horses. 

Questions about this piece? Contact us.

Technical pen and ink on paper.

Signed and dated "18.19 Sept 1982" by the Artist.

Estate numbers and labels verso

Canada, 1982

33"W 26.5"H (framed)

Very good condition.

Provenance: from the estate of Harold Town 

Note: the price is $5,500 CAD.