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Collection

An image of Study for 'Activated still life' by James Gleeson

James Gleeson

(Australia 21 Nov 1915–20 Oct 2008)

Title
Study for 'Activated still life'
Year
1983
Media category
Drawing
Materials used
charcoal on light grey/green laid paper
Dimensions

30.5 x 47.7cm sheet

Signature & date
Signed and dated l.l., charcoal "Gleeson 17.12.83".
Credit
Gift of the artist 2001
Accession number
161.2001
Copyright
© Gleeson/O'Keefe Foundation
Location
Not on display
Further information

'Chrysalis or parcel at back. Bay of wind - escaping mysteries. Blew him? Ulysses? out of his course. Aggressive form - lava. Lower half - potential action - bulky forms of still life yet capable of activity. The lower half is going to be a dangerous form of activity ...', Gleeson quoted in Renée Free's unpublished catalogue of James Gleeson's work.

'Study for 'Activated still life'' suggests weaponry, fuselage or other invented metallic structures. Inspired by various sources from Gleeson's subconscious, the works of the early to mid 1980s often resemble the imagery associated with science fiction.

Hendrik Kolenberg and Anne Ryan, 'James Gleeson: drawings for paintings', Art Gallery of New South Wales, 2003, pg. 83.

Bibliography (1)

Hendrik Kolenberg and Anne Ryan, James Gleeson: drawings for paintings 2003, Domain, 2003, 82 (colour illus.), 83. cat.no. 33

Exhibition history (1)

James Gleeson: drawings for paintings, Art Gallery of New South Wales, Sydney, 12 Apr 2003–15 Jun 2003