John Coburn - Untitled ca. 1960

This original untitled work by John Coburn, circa 1960, created using ink, gold leaf on recycled and hand-dyed card, is a unique example of Coburn's profound understanding of form, texture, and composition. Understated in both scale and presentation, yet sophisticated, this exceptionally rare work was only ever sold once to a private collector.

Bold, dynamic strokes of ink dominate the image, creating a rhythmic interplay of positive and negative space. The dense structure, almost calligraphic black forms contrast sharply against the soft, hand-dyed pink background, evoking a sense of depth and dimension. The ink appears to dance across the surface, guided by an unseen force, suggesting Coburn's deep engagement with abstract forms' dynamic and expressive potential.

Coburn is celebrated for his innovative approach and ability to distil complex emotions into simple yet powerful abstract forms. In this piece, the Artist’s use of gold leaf introduces a focal point that draws the eye inward and adds a layer of nuance to the composition. With a highly reflective quality, the gold leaf contrasts with the matte ink, creating a dynamic visual tension that exhibits Coburn’s skill in balancing diverse elements within a single composition.

Coburn's influences in this unique work can be traced to the broader Abstract Expressionist movement, particularly the works of artists like Willem de Kooning and Franz Kline, who also employed bold, sweeping gestures and a monochromatic palette. Additionally, his work hints at Eastern calligraphic traditions, suggesting a synthesis of Western and Eastern aesthetics that is distinctive and compelling.

The use of recycled and hand-dyed card is not merely a choice of medium but a statement in itself. It speaks to Coburn's commitment to the environment and innovative spirit as he transforms humble materials into works of profound beauty and significance.

Although not often or overused in his broader body of work, Coburn's use of gold leaf in this piece is a distinctive feature (Coburn often used gold leaf as a metaphor for light and divinity, particularly in works commissioned from the Artist by significant religious orders) that sets him apart from many of his contemporaries in the Abstract Expressionist movement. Coburn uses gold leaf to infuse his works with a sense of spirituality and transcendence. His use of gold leaf often symbolised the divine or the sublime, adding a layer of meaning beyond the purely visual.

Coburn's choice to incorporate this element into his mixed media work demonstrates his willingness to experiment with unconventional materials and techniques, being amongst the first to succeed in this genre. Many of his peers in the Abstract Expressionist movement focused exclusively on the expressive potential of paint and canvas, often eschewing other materials.

Here, Coburn synthesises Western abstract expressionism with Eastern artistic traditions, where gold leaf has long been used for its symbolic and aesthetic qualities. This cross-cultural approach enriches his work with a global and spiritual perspective. Using unconventional materials brings a unique dimension to his earlier, more abstract works such as this (later shifting focus to Geometric Abstract Expressionism). By incorporating this material, he enhances his artworks' visual and textural qualities and introduces symbolic and cultural layers that resonate with broader artistic traditions. This approach underscores his creativity and the depth of his artistic vision, affirming his place as a globally distinctive and influential figure within the Abstract Expressionist movement and an important figure in Australian and International art collections.