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Lot Essay
Irwin first came to critics' attention when he took part in the 1958 3 Collagists exhibition at the ICA, alongside Mesens and McHale. He went on to be associated with the Situationists and can be seen seated next to William Turnbull in the top row of Sylvia Sleigh's The Situation Group, 1961 (National Portrait Gallery).
In 1964 Irwin represented Britain at the XXXII Venice Biennale alongside Joe Tilson, Bernard Meadows and Roger Hilton. In the exhibition catalogue Alan Bowness comments: 'He repeats a simple motif across the picture surface, making subtle refinements of shape and colour and texture as he goes. These affect the space of the picture; the closing and opening up of the gaps gives a rhythm to the surface. The artist's activity communicates a spirit of complete self-absorption, as quietism that is almost oriental.'
In 1964 Irwin represented Britain at the XXXII Venice Biennale alongside Joe Tilson, Bernard Meadows and Roger Hilton. In the exhibition catalogue Alan Bowness comments: 'He repeats a simple motif across the picture surface, making subtle refinements of shape and colour and texture as he goes. These affect the space of the picture; the closing and opening up of the gaps gives a rhythm to the surface. The artist's activity communicates a spirit of complete self-absorption, as quietism that is almost oriental.'