Oct-52 (lichen)

© Angela Verren Taunt. All rights reserved, DACS 2024. Image credit: The Pier Arts Centre

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Notes

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This small relief is constructed from a lattice of intersecting incisions and lines. These combine with the two heightened areas of colour to emphasise a triangular motif. Apparently abstract, Nicholson's use of a horizontal line in the upper section of the image suggests possible landscape readings.

The surface of this piece is worked to suggest a weathered quality reminiscent of lichen-encrusted granite. Carving into hardboard and working colour into the surface gave Nicholson's works a subtle differentiation of tone and texture, which he used increasingly from the early 1950s.

The Pier Arts Centre

Stromness

Title

Oct-52 (lichen)

Date

1952

Medium

oil & pencil on board

Measurements

H 17.5 x W 14 cm

Accession number

PAC 48

Acquisition method

gift from Margaret Gardiner, 1979

Work type

Painting

Inscription description

1. 'TOP [below which is an ↑] / Ben Nicholson / Oct-52 / lichen [circled]'. 2. 'happy Xmas to Margaret / ? [ script obscured by a conservation label]'. 3. 'N [circled] ? [letter obscured by conservation tape]'. 4. exhibition label for Aberdeen Art Gallery and Museums (Pier Gallery Collection 1978). 5. exhibition label for Tate (Pier Gallery Collection 20th Sept-29th Oct 1978).

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The Pier Arts Centre

Victoria Street, Stromness, Orkney Islands KW16 3AA Scotland

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