PLATE, CARL OLAF (1909-1977)

"Untitled" (c.1960)
oil on board
31 x 22cm
signed indistinctly lower left
*private collection, Melbourne
*Attillo Guarracino Collection
 
Plate was a prominent Australian Abstract-Expressionist. A leading Modernist with German roots, and brother of pioneering female abstract artist, Margo Lewers, Plate was the first Australian non-figurative artist to have solo exhibitions in London and New York, and a huge retrospective of his work at the Art Gallery Of NSW. His work is represented in all major Australian galleries as well as Argentina, France, New Zealand, Greece, UK and the USA. This is a very early, quality example of Australian abstraction, and is reminiscent of the work of British St. Ives School pioneer, Peter Lanyon.