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Notes

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This austere vertical painting with its stark black, white and grey palette relates closely to the white reliefs Nicholson had begun in 1934. The sparse composition and sharply delineated forms suggest clarity, stillness and surface – Nicholson's primary concerns at this time.

Nicholson made several visits to Europe in 1935 during which he met Mondrian, Gabo, Kandinsky and Arp. The emergence at this time of his signature precision and clarity is contemporary with this increase in contact with major figures of the Modern movement. Nicholson was instrumental in Mondrian and Gabo moving to London as political polarisation in Europe forced many avant-garde figures to leave the continent. In November 1935 he exhibited in 'Artists Against Fascism and War' with Moore, Nash, Gill and others.

The Pier Arts Centre

Stromness

Title

1935 (painting)

Date

1935

Medium

oil on canvas on board

Measurements

H 58.7 x W 28 cm

Accession number

PAC 42

Acquisition method

gift from Margaret Gardiner, 1979

Work type

Painting

Inscription description

1. 'Ben Nicholson 1935'. 2. 'K. H. 29 / M. A. T. 1'. 3. 'Ben Nicholson / 1935'. 4. 'TOP /↑'. 5. exhibition label (details unknown). 6. gallery label for The Redfern Gallery, London. 7. exhibition label for Aberdeen Art Gallery and Museums (Pier Gallery Collection 1978). 8. exhibition label for Kunsthalle Bern.

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