THESE REASONABLY PRICED GEMS WILL APPEAL TO SEASONED AND BEGINNING COLLECTORS ALIKE
In February, Heritage continues its popular online auction series devoted to Contemporary Art at approachable price points. With well-priced works by the likes of Jim Dine, Mark Stock, Richard Anuszkiewicz and Edward Clark, Heritage’s February 6 Contemporary Art Within Reach Showcase Auction is proof that one can build a Contemporary Art collection even on a modest budget. To help guide us through the auction’s offerings, we asked Heritage’s art specialists to point out some of their favorite pieces.
Mark Stock, Air Whale, 1982
Oil on canvas
Estimate: $6,000-$8,000
“Mark Stock’s paintings depict the highs and lows of romantic entanglements, often with a melodramatic, ironic edge, and his works explore themes of love, desire and scandal. His iconic Butler series captures the hidden lives of butlers with poignant subtlety and humor, reflecting Stock’s keen eye for life’s complex emotions. Air Whale exemplifies his talent for crafting stories, blending reality with a touch of the fantastical. The dramatic interplay of light and shadow evokes a sense of mystery and intrigue. It’s a striking example of how Stock’s art transcends conventional storytelling, inviting viewers into an immersive, thought-provoking experience. The work’s conservative estimate is due to its large size (66 x 96 inches), which makes the bidding pool more limited; this is an opportunity to own a major work by an esteemed artist.” –Holly Sherratt, Director, Modern & Contemporary Art
Jim Dine, Nancy Blurred, 1978
Pastel on paper
Estimate: $4,000-$6,000
“Known for using everyday objects like tools, robes and hearts in his artwork, Jim Dine often bridged the gap between personal expression and the impersonal world of manufactured objects. His art is not just about the objects he chooses; it’s about the memories, emotions and personal connections they evoke. Dine’s wife, Nancy – the subject of this piece – has played a significant role in his life and work. Her influence is often subtly present in his art. The couple’s dynamic can be seen as a source of inspiration and stability for Dine, with their relationship adding a layer of depth and intimacy to his work. This personal element sets Dine apart from many of his contemporaries, as his art transcends the traditional boundaries of pop art to explore more profound personal themes.” –Rebecca Van Norman, Consignment Director, Prints & Multiples
Edward Clark, Paris Summer with Green, 1992-1993
Pastel on paper
Estimate: $15,000-$20,000
“An important figure in the postwar abstract expressionist movement, Edward Clark is credited with being one of the first painters to work on shaped canvases, a significant innovation in the field of abstract painting. He was particularly noted for his contributions as an African American artist in a field that was predominantly occupied by white artists during that period. Paris Summer with Green reflects characteristics of Clark’s broader artistic style, which is known for its bold use of color and expressive, often sweeping brushstrokes. Clark spent a significant amount of time in Paris, particularly in the 1950s and early 1960s, at a time when many African American artists and intellectuals found the city more welcoming than the United States. This beautiful work is certainly vibrant and may evoke the warmth and vitality of a season spent in Paris.” –Frank Hettig, Vice President, Modern & Contemporary Art
Kirk Hayes, Flesh and Blood Chair Dance, 2003
Oil, enamel and pencil on panel
Estimate: $3,000-$5,000
“Kirk Hayes’ Flesh and Blood Chair Dance is a profound narrative on the human condition. The figure, bent over the chair, captures a weave of vulnerability, trust and struggle. Its brilliance lies in Hayes’ rawness and textured layering. There is a quiet contemplation. It’s as if the figure is caught in a fleeting moment of solitude, a brief respite from any other part of life. Where there may be an absence of any overt features, there is an openness, depth or even melancholy.” –Hava Toobian, Cataloger, Urban Art
Bruce Davidson, Couple on the Platform (from Subway series), 1980
Digital pigment print, printed later
Estimate: $1,500-$2,500
“Bruce Davidson’s Subway series, captured in the tumultuous atmosphere of 1980s New York City, is a compelling visual narrative that delves into the heart of urban life. Through photographs, Davidson documents the diverse tapestry of subway riders, from the contemplative and solitary to the animated and interconnected. The series encapsulates the intensity, vulnerability and humanity found within the confined spaces of the subway, offering a timeless exploration of the human experience amid the relentless pulse of city existence. In this photograph, the central focus is on a couple standing by the stair at the bottom of the platform, waiting for the train. The photograph is a powerful example of Davidson’s ability to capture the human experience in urban settings, portraying both the intimacy of relationships and the hustle and bustle of city life.” –Walter Ramirez, Consignment Director, Urban & Contemporary Art
Kikuo Saito, Turk’s Cup, 1980
Acrylic on canvas
Estimate: $20,000-$30,000
“Japanese artist Kikuo Saito was renowned for his vibrant, color-rich paintings. His work, characterized by its abstract expressionism and color field painting influences, suggests a deep exploration of color interactions and emotional expressions. In his acrylic on canvas works, Saito was known for his unique blending of colors and textures, often creating a sense of depth and movement. Turk’s Cup reflects this style, showcasing his signature use of bold, vivid colors and an abstract representation of forms or landscapes. There is a lot of fluidity and dynamic motion in Turk’s Cup, which invites viewers to experience the painting’s emotive qualities and ponder the artist’s exploration.” –Ed Beardsley, Vice President & Managing Director
Karel Appel, Untitled, 1978
Ink on paper
Estimate: $5,000-$7,000
“Born in Amsterdam in 1921, Karel Appel was a central figure in the abstract expressionist movement and a founder of the avant-garde CoBrA group. Appel’s art is distinguished by its energetic and robust brushwork, frequently featuring abstract forms and figures. As seen in this work, his figures typically exhibit distortion and exaggeration, reflecting a childlike, instinctive style in his art. Appel allowed his imagination free rein, producing works that were simultaneously whimsical and thought-provoking. This is a wonderful opportunity to own an artwork by an artist with a unique vision at an accessible price.” –Taylor Curry, Director, Modern & Contemporary Art, New York
Richard Anuszkiewicz, Untitled (from Temples series), 1986
Acrylic on board
Estimate: $10,000-$15,000
“Richard Anuszkiewicz, a prominent figure in the Op Art movement, is celebrated for his paintings that explore the complex interplay of colors and geometric forms. His work is distinguished by its meticulous precision and vibrant, often contrasting hues that create mesmerizing optical effects. Anuszkiewicz’s paintings are not just visually striking; they are studies in the perception of color and depth. By arranging simple geometric shapes in complex configurations and using color relationships that can seem to vibrate or pulsate, he challenges and engages the viewer’s visual perceptions. This painting is a beautiful example of his dynamic work.” –Desiree Pakravan, Consignment Director, Modern & Contemporary Art