The Artworks to Keep an Eye on at this Week’s London Auctions
This week promises to be one of the busiest for the art world in London. With Frieze London and Frieze Masters starting today, and auction houses holding their major 20th- and 21st-century sales, the art market is poised to break records this year. There are outstanding works being auctioned at Christie’s, Sotheby’s, and Phillips in London that are certainly worth seeing.
Jean-Michel Basquiat, “Future Sciences Versus the Man,” 1982, courtesy of Christie’s.
Jean-Michel Basquiat at Christie’s
Christie’s evening sale on October 13 will be led by the mesmerising masterpiece by Jean-Michel Basquiat, Future Sciences Versus the Man (1982). This is one of his celebrated works from the prominent stretcher series. Future Sciences Versus the Man is a historical painting that takes its audience on an electrifying odyssey of humanity’s dreams and downfalls. One can see fighter jets, nuclear explosions, cowboys, and wonders of the world exemplified in the Egyptian pyramids in Basquiat’s painting. The artist explores important themes such as explorations of space, the American gold rush, and the looming threat of the world’s destruction. Future Sciences Versus the Man boasts important provenance. It was first featured at the Fun Gallery, made a debut at Gagosian in 1983, and finally has been in the Schulhof’s collection, part of which resides in Peggy Guggenheim’s museum.
Paula Rego, “Dancing Ostriches from Walt Disney’s ‘Fantasia’,” 1965, pastel on paper mounted on aluminium, in two parts, courtesy of Christie’s.
London Auction Highlights: Paul Rego at Christie’s
Among other captivating works from the 20th-21st century auction series at Christie’s is Paula Rego’s virtuous creation Dancing Ostriches from Walt Disney’s Fantasia’ (1995). This is a highly theatrical, vivid piece arguably one of the icons of Rego’s artistic career. It was inspired by Walt Disney’s animation Fantasia (1940) in which ostriches perform the ballet “Dance of the Hours” from the opera La Gioconda (1876). Disney’s dancers are birds. However, the artist exemplifies them as women and plays with the idea of what stereotypical ballet dancers should look like. In other words, Rego plays on the topics of power through challenging viewers’s concepts of beauty, youth, and femininity. The painting was created by the artist for London’s Hayward Gallery exhibition “Spellbound: Art and Film.”
Andy Warhol, “Dollar Sign,” 1981, courtesy of Christie’s.
Andy Warhol’s “Dollar Sign”
As for the Post-War and Contemporary Art Day Sale Christie’s auction on October 14, one of the leading pieces of the sale is Andy Warhol’s Dollar Sign. The work epitomises the American dream. The artist’s fascination with celebrity, money, consumption and mass production is exemplified by this painting and is confirmed by its provenance. Originally presented to JadeJagger, Mick Jagger’s daughter, the painting itself is an example of the social currency Warhol used in New York high society. Furthermore, reproductions of the silkscreened dollar painting by Warhol from the 1960s render money printing itself.
Gerhard Richter, “Abstraktes Bild,” 1986, courtesy of Sotheby’s.
Gerhard Richter at Sotheby’s
Sotheby’s is also holding three auctions this week, starting with the first one on October 12. The Contemporary Evening Auction at Sotheby’s during Frieze is arguably the most vibrant of the year. The auction house presents an exceptional selection of artworks by leading post-war and Contemporary artists. At the forefront is Gerhard Richter‘s iconic 1986 masterpiece, Abstraktes Bild. This work belongs to the artist’s celebrated abstract paintings series executed between 1980-85. Richter skillfully uses colors and the interplay of probability and certainty to create this powerful theatrical piece. The canvas is almost pulsating, immersing and captivating the viewer.
More London Auction Highlights at Sotheby’s
Other Sotheby’s Contemporary Evening Auction highlights include Francis Bacon’s Study for a Portrait, Sigmar Polke’s Irrläufer (Misdirected), and Frank Bowling’s Moby Dick.
Francis Bacon, “Study for a Portrait,” 1979, courtesy of Sotheby’s.
Francis Bacon at Sotheby’s
Study for a Portrait from 1979 brilliantly encapsulates the essence of Francis Bacon’s artistry, blending masterful brushwork with profound psychological depth. This work, a quintessential example from Bacon’s iconic series of small portrait heads, features a three-quarter profile against a serene blue backdrop accented by a vivid cadmium orange strip. Conceived originally as a framed head on a metallic orange wall, a motif recurring in Bacon’s 1970s and 1944 Crucifixion triptych, this composition retains its striking orange element at the bottom. Bacon’s meticulous handling of paint and texture elegantly frames the head, signaling to viewers that this portrayal is contemplative, focused, and unwavering.
Sigmar Polke, “Irrläufer (Misdirected),” 1983, courtesy of Sotheby’s.
Sigmar Polke’s “Irrläufer (Misdirected)”
As for Sigmar Polke’s Irrläufer (Misdirected), it exemplifies Polke’s talent and passion for blending the figurative and abstract aspects of art, reflecting his belief that these techniques should complement each other rather than be seen as opposites. In this artwork, the inherent tensions between these artistic elements create a surreal and hallucinatory world. Irrläufer (Misdirected) is a prime and intricate representation of Polke’s Stoffbilder, where he revitalized and redefined painting in the 1970s and ‘80s by incorporating mass-produced fabrics.
Frank Bowling, “Moby Dick,” 1981, courtesy of Sotheby’s.
Frank Bowling’s “Moby Dick“
The auction at Sotheby’ is also graced by Frank Bowling’s work Moby Dick. The painting is an example of the artist’s consolidated abstract style after his period of figurative practice. The work is very atmospheric and nebulous with accents on black, white, and turquoise and splashes of yellow, and tender purple. One can see the ocean breaking against the rocks, a mirage, or the birth of the cosmos. Moby Dick is certainly of particular significance and has been featured in significant expositions worldwide, including “Bowling: Mappa Mundi” exhibition and the Bowling’s retrospective at Tate Britain in London.
Peter Doig, “By a River,” 2004, courtesy of Sotheby’s.
London Auction Highlights at the Now Evening Auction at Sotheby’s
Evidently, Sotheby’s Contemporary Evening Sale showcases artists and artworks, encapsulating the transformative shifts in the art world during the latter half of the 20th century.
In the meantime, the Now Evening Auction at Sotheby’s brings together a tightly curated selection of works by the best artists of the 21st century. Among outstanding works is a painting by Peter Doig, By a River. It is a masterclass in expression and storytelling that cements Doig’s position as one of the most important figurative painters working today. Part of his ”Music of the Future” (2002-07) series, this work demonstrates Doig’s outstanding ability to meld art historical and personal references into figuration rooted in painterly abstractions. The setting of Doig’s painting at once revisits images from art history, such as the painting of St. John the Baptist in the Wilderness (1490-95) or a purgatorial hinterland reminiscent of Edvard Munch’s landscapes in connection with a realm devoid of specific reference points. Although the title might suggest that the river painted by Doig is the river Jordan, a careful eye notices the river’s is a deep green with yellow foam. It might be a reference to a Greek mythological river Lethe, the river of forgetfulness in Hades’s underworld. The figure in the painting embodies a collage of temporal perspectives, merging the past’s gaze toward the future with the future’s reflection upon the past, all overlaying an emotional present moment.
Pat Steir, “Wind, Water and Stone: 6AM,” 1997, courtesy of Sotheby’s.
What the Experts Have to Say
As an expert in female artists, art curator, and collector Maria Korolevskaya says that London sales are bringing magnificent artworks to see and possibly acquire next week in London. “There are many female artists represented with a variety of striking styles. From Pat Steir at Christie’s, whose works are so meditative, almost like a visual meditation to figurative master capturing the everyday lives of women by Caroline Walker. Her works create a sense of intimacy for the viewer, inviting him to join her world, almost blurring the boundaries between public and private. Fantastic work by Lynette Yiadom-Boakye, Six Birds in the Bush, is at Sotheby’s The Now Evening Auction. Extraordinary Swiss artist Miriam Cahn is represented both at Phillips and Sotheby’s sales. Exquisite early portrait Mark by Elizabeth Peyton at Christie’s, painted in 1996 and held in the same collection since 1999. The subject of her intimate portrait is Mark Webber, the guitarist of the iconic ’90s British rock band Pulp.
Alongside the very accomplished and established artists, there are also artists at an earlier stage of their careers. Jessie Makinson‘s surrealistic language and playfulness of Daisy Dodd-Noble can be seen at Christie’s. Personally, I am a big fan of Henni Alftan‘s aesthetics. Finnish artist based in Paris, Alftan will be at Frieze with Karma Gallery and sales as well. Her hyper-realistic style is truly iconic and very recognizable.”
London Auction Highlights from Phillips
Phillips also has major 20th Century & Contemporary Art Day and Evening sales happening on October 12 and 13. Long-standing prolific artists and contemporary stars are to look out for in the auction. The centerpieces of the day auction are works by one of the most influential figures in 20th-century artists, like Jean Dubuffet, the forefather of the Art Brut and the Neo-expressionist movement. There are also tandem works by the promising and talented British artist Jadé Fadojutimi, both in the day and the evening auction. Another highlight of the evening sale is the work by Luc Tuymans on the monumental and powerful scene of Rome.
Jean Dubuffet, ”Mire G 95 (Kowloon),” 1983, courtesy of Phillips.
“There is no matter, there is nothing but energetic impulses in ceaseless movement, devoid of any tangible consistency,’’ said Jean Dubuffet. In his 1980s “Mires” series, the artist reinvents perspective on the world. In Mire G 95 (Kowloon), the figures have practically disappeared, and the sites are left entirely undetermined. Bordering on abstraction, the composition defies easy classification. Within its boundaries, the interplay of large and small forms, lines and curves, empty spaces and solid volumes blends seamlessly, inviting viewers to release their grip on conventional labels. Dubuffet introduced the term “Kowloon” into the titles of his early “Mires,” a reference to the Chinese fortress demolished in the late 1990s. The vivid yellow background reminds the viewer of bright Hong Kong store signs, as well as procession banners.
Jadé Fadojutimi, ”Bark,” 2016 (left) and “Beneath the Petticoat,” 2018 (right), courtesy of Phillips.
Jadé Fadojutimi at Phillips
Continuing in the abstractive psychological language, Jadé Fadojutimi’s beautiful artworks Bark and Beneath the Petticoat are in conversation with each other. The present owner of both paintings first acquired Bark in 2017 and then later commissioned Beneath the Petticoat by the artist. Fadojutimi’s principle is that her works should serve as vessels for reflection. The artist’s process considers painting as an act of self-inquisition to create an emotional landscape. Bark stands as an early example of such a landscape. The complimentary exchange between Bark and Beneath the Petticoat is exemplified in the color palette and composition. This is a testament to the artist’s ability to recall former senses of and recreate them through introspectiveness on the canvas. Beneath the Petticoat demonstrates Fadojutimi’s adoption of depth that permeates her more recent compositions, yet the curvy forms as seen in Bark are present. Unsurprisingly, the works were hung together by the present owner. Beneath the Petticoat and Bark are complementary in the color palette. The latter work serves as a refined finale to the emotional state conjured in Bark.
Luc Tuymans, “Rome,” 2007, courtesy of Phillips.
Luc Tuymans at Phillips
In a completely different style of Neo-Expressionism, Luc Tuymans’s Rome is one of nine canvases that constitute the first in a trilogy of series, “Les Revenants,” that confront the image as a tool of power. Since being shown in 2007 at Zeno X Gallery in Antwerp, works from the series have become part of Tuymans’s most significant subsequent exhibitions. Only three works from the series have ever appeared at auction. Rome is the largest of the nine canvases from the series. Typical of the artist’s practice, the source material of the image was a homemade print of a digitally compressed image. Tuymans characteristically employs a muted tonal palette and soft, diffused brushstrokes to present a cinematic image of St. Peter’s Basilica in Vatican City. In this scene, the Belgian Archbishop Daneels is depicted among a group of candidates for elevation to cardinal. This image looks professedly historical. However, Tuymans depicts an important contemporary ceremony; he skillfully uses imagery to play with our perception of time and memory. The artist explained his approach, saying, “Art creates its own time span and, in that sense, also creates its own time-lapse: you are looking at something that accords time to an image, as it is made and as it shows itself.” Rome offers a rare chance to explore Tuymans’ ideas and examine memory’s connection to truth, power, and identity.
Despite the recent slowdown in the art market, this week is anticipated to be particularly propitious. The surge of notable auctions featuring 20th and 21st-century masterpieces is poised to shatter previous records at prestigious London auction houses. As always, Frieze Week in London bestows spectacular international art upon the UK.
