Lot 38

The Artist
The Collection of Dr Joseph Brown AO OBE
Gift from the above 2003
Private collection, Melbourne
Thence by descent

Yvonne Audette's 'Into the Eternal Void' stands as a significant example of her mature abstract style, demonstrating her deep engagement with the principles of Abstract Expressionism. Created during a period of intense artistic exploration, this artwork reflects Audette's profound exposure to the vibrant art scene of New York in the 1950s, where she drew inspiration from leading figures such as Willem de Kooning and Robert Motherwell. 'Into the Eternal Void' is a complex and dynamic composition that conveys a sophisticated understanding of line, form, and colour, embodying both the spirit of the Abstract Expressionist movement and Audette's distinctive artistic voice.

Audette's artistic journey took a decisive turn when she moved to New York in the early 1950s. At the time, New York was the epicenter of the increasing Abstract Expressionist movement, a place where the boundaries of traditional painting were being pushed and redefined. It was here that Audette immersed herself in a vibrant and challenging art scene that was defined by spontaneity, emotional intensity, and a focus on the act of painting itself as a form of personal expression. This environment provided Audette with both inspiration and a sense of belonging among like-minded artists who were dedicated to exploring the abstract language of art.
Following a period of travel through Spain, France, and Germany in 1955, Audette settled in Florence. She later established a studio in Milan, dividing her time between the two cities as she continued to develop her artistic practice. In 1963 Audette moved perminately to Milan, where she remained until her return to Australia in 1966.

'Into the Eternal Void' exemplifies Audette's ability to create a sense of depth and movement through her mastery of line and colour. The painting is a riot of intersecting lines, each stroke bearing a unique energy that contributes to the overall composition. The lines, which vary from delicate, almost translucent traces to bold, assertive marks, create a complex web that draws the viewer into the painting. Audette's approach to the composition is both intuitive and controlled, and while the marks may appear spontaneous, there is deliberate orchestration at play. The eye is guided through the panting by a series of visual cues, lines that direct, colours that punctuate, and forms that emerge and recede. The careful balancing act reflects Audette's understanding of abstraction not as a random act, but as a disciplined exploration of the possibilities of paint and gesture.

Yvonne Audette's 'Into the Eternal Void' is a powerful testament to her ability to synthesise the influences of her time abroad with her own unique vision. Through her engagement with the ideas and techniques of Abstract Expressionism, Audette has created a work that not only reflects the artistic currents of her time but also transcends them, offering a deeply personal and compelling vision of the abstract void.

Hannah Ryan
Art Specialist

© Vivienne Yvonne Audette/Copyright Agency 2024