Lot 320: Ulysse Comtois 1931 -1999 Canadian metal sculpture

Ulysse Comtois 1931 -1999 Canadian metal sculpture Sans titre 16 x 10 1/4 x 8 inches 40.6 x 26 x 20.3 centimeters Literature:Pierre Theberge, Ulysse Comtois/Guido Molinari, XXXIV International Biennial Exhibition of Art, Venice, 1968, page 10 Provenance:Acquired directly from the Artist in Montreal Private Collection, Toronto Ulysse Comtois was an established painter by the early 1960s, strongly associated with the Automatist group. After experimenting off and on with 3-dimensional forms in various media, sculpture became the main focus of his work. Significant acknowledgment of Comtois's importance as a sculptor came when he was selected to represent Canada, along with Guido Molinari, at the 1968 Venice Biennial. Often playful, his sculpture was influenced by that of Arp's simple, polished forms. Pierre Theberge wrote: ".....his pieces, whose anonymous appearance gives the impression of mass production, are all cut and polished one by one. This love of his materials explains Comtois' reluctance to consider producing multiple copies of his works." This work is accompanied by a letter from the artist's long-time companion, Louise Masson, certifying that this sculpture was made by Comtois.