Abstract Landscape with Green Figure with Yellow and Black Chooks, 1984
signed, dated and inscribed 'Ken Whisson / 5/2/84 - 20/6/84 / Abstract Landscape with Green Figure and Yellow and Black Chooks' verso
oil on canvas
100 x 119cm (39 3/8 x 46 7/8in).

Footnotes

PROVENANCE:
Purchased from 312 Lennox Street Gallery, Melbourne in November 1986

EXHIBITED:
Ken Whisson, 312 Lennox Street Gallery, Melbourne, 21 October - 22 November 1986, cat. no. 12
Ken Whisson Paintings 1957-1985, Broken Hill City Art Gallery touring exhibition: Heide Museum of Modern Art, Melbourne; Broken Hill City Art Gallery, Broken Hill; Art Gallery of South Australia, Adelaide; Power Gallery ofContemporary Art, Sydney; Wollongong City Art Gallery, Wollongong, February 1987 - April 1988, cat. no. 32

LITERATURE:
Ken Whisson Paintings 1947 - 1999, Niagara Publishing, Melbourne, 2001, cat. no. 43, p.59 (illus.)

Abstract Landscape with Green Figure with Yellow and Black Chook (1984) could be described as being in a classic later Whisson 'style'where the white ground of the canvas itself becomes an important part of the composition.

Importantly memory, a retreat into the artist past, provides a rich vein of motif and meaning as exemplified by the works titles which could reveal aspect of Whisson'sboyhood growing up in rural Lilydale. The chooks of the works title are clearly seen up in the upper right corner but we can also see other forms beginning to coalesce and then dissolve – snatches of misremembered details like an open book, the front half of horse or right in the centre an abstract collection of shapes that recalls early landscape or again flags a much used symbol in the artist work.

Glenn Barkley

Additional information

This auction is now finished. If you are interested in consigning in future auctions, please contact the specialist department. If you have queries about lots purchased in this auction, please contact customer services.
Buyers' Obligations
ALL BIDDERS MUST AGREE THAT THEY HAVE READ AND UNDERSTOOD BONHAMS' CONDITIONS OF SALE AND AGREE TO BE BOUND BY THEM, AND AGREE TO PAY THE BUYER'S PREMIUM AND ANY OTHER CHARGES MENTIONED IN THE NOTICE TO BIDDERS. THIS AFFECTS THE BIDDERS LEGAL RIGHTS.
If you have any questions about the Conditions of Sale, please contact your nearest client services team.
From 28 June 2025, the import into the EU of non-EU property of a certain age (and in some categories above a certain value) is subject to additional requirements. Under the relevant EU Regulation, it is the Buyer's sole responsibility to assess whether any Lot meets the criteria for import into the EU. The refusal of any required Import Licence or Importer Statement, or any delay in obtaining such Licence or Statement shall not give rise to the rescission or cancellation of any Sale, nor allow any delay in making full payment for the Lot.
Buyers' Premium and Charges
For all Sales categories excluding Motor Cars and Motorcycles:
Buyer's Premium Rates
23% on the Hammer Price
A 3rd party bidding platform fee of 4% of the Hammer Price for Buyers using the following bidding platforms will be added to the invoices of successful Buyers for auctions starting on or after 6th July 2024 – Invaluable; Live Auctioneers; The Saleroom; Lot-tissimo.
GST at the current rate of 10% will be added to the Buyer's Premium and charges.
Shipping Notices
For information and estimates on domestic and international shipping as well as export licenses please contact Bonhams Shipping Department.

Bid now on these items

Coming soon

George Tjungurrayi
(circa 1947)
Untitled, 2004

AU$60,000 - AU$90,000

Ken Whisson(born 1927)Abstract Landscape with Green Figure with Yellow and Black Chooks, 1984

Own a similar item?

Looking for a similar item?

Ask about this lot

Client Services (Australia)