Cathy Daley is a Toronto-based artist who began receiving international attention in the 1980‘s for her signature style of depicting the female form.  Her most iconic works, such as this one, feature elegant female figures in glamorous evening gowns, tutus, and dresses; done in thick black ink on near-translucent vellum paper. 

artworks are “inspired by ballerina tutus, the garbs of fairy-tale princesses and Barbie doll couture” in the context of “[exploring] cultural representation of the feminine and the body” in Western culture. Her works thrive on juxtaposing the lithe, ethereal female figures, whose qualities are also mirrored in the delicate vellum paper, with the opaque, black ink. 

These figures can be at once weighty and striking in some parts (because of the thickly applied ink) while appearing delicate and soft in other areas. The tension between the delicate and powerful is clear in both her figures and mediums of choice. The result is images that are both seductive and subversive.  

Cathy Daley works can be found in numerous private and public collections across North America including the , the Art Gallery of Ontario (AGO), and the University of Pennsylvania: Friedman Gallery, among many others. 

This work is a paradigm of Daley’s practice, featuring her signature female form in a formal evening gown. It was created as a benefit print for Art with Heart (a not-for-profit organization). 

Questions about this piece?  or call 1.416.704.1720

Untitled (Little Black Dress Series, 2001), 2002

Stamped, signed, and numbered by the artist. 

Offset Lithograph 

24"H 19"W (work)

33.5"H 23'W (framed)

Excellent condition.