Lot 415: William Wiley Funk Art Watercolor, Quilzy Crate

William Wiley (California, 1937-2021) watercolor on handmade paper funk art / abstract expressionist painting depicting a patchwork of colors covering one side of the paper and an abstract symbol on the other, along with hand-written riddle (referencing a "Quilzy Crate") and personal inscription to original owner, "Lois." Signed lower right and dated 2000. Float mounted on a linen mat in natural wood grain frame. Approximate sheet size: 22" H x 29" W. Frame: 27 1/2" H x 35" W. Biography: William T. Wiley was an influential artist and educator who helped found the funk art movement and played a major role in the development of the San Francisco art scene. He attended the San Francisco Art Institute in the 1960s, and Frank Lobdell at the Art Institute was a major influence. Art critics have noted that although Wiley's early work was rooted in Abstract Expressionism, he later sought to escape "the serious, highly self-conscious symbolism of Abstract Expressionism and borrowed ideas from many sources including Zen Buddhism." In interviews, he described himself as a self-styled Dadaist in the lineage of Marcel Duchamp. His paintings were often complemented by inscriptions, riddles and other text that "anticipated the obsession with storytelling that would come to dominate contemporary art a generation later." Sources: Deborah Solomon, William Wiley obituary, The New York Times, May 5, 2021; Art in America; Thomas Albright, Art in the San Francisco Bay Area.

PROVENANCE: Private Middle Tennessee / California collection. Consignor's mother acquired the painting from the "Lois" referenced in the painting, whose sister worked for a gallery representing Wiley in San Francisco.

CONDITION: Excellent condition.