**First Time At Auction**

Oluf Gravesen (Danish, 1943-1987). Untitled metal nails and wood, 1974. Hand signed and dated "Oluf Gravesen / Regnbuen, Mon / Denmark / August 1974" on verso. A fascinating piece comprised entirely of nails hammered into a found wood panel by Oluf Gravesen. Gravesen called such composition his "nailings" and this one presents a mesmerizing composition. Gravesen chose nails of different hues - silver as well as copper in color - and hammered them in orb and wave motifs that are at abstract yet suggest an array of stellar forms. The surface undulates in various degrees of relief to bring his abstract vision to life. A marvelous nail sculpture relief or "nailing" by Oluf Gravesen. Size: 16.8" L x 15" W (42.7 cm x 38.1 cm)

About the artist: Oluf Gravesen was a Danish visual artist best known for his sculptures constructed of nails which he called "nailings". Graveson was from the island of Mon in Copenhagen but lived and worked in both Denmark and New York City. His art reflected his surroundings in Denmark and New York as well as travels to India, Nepal, Afghanistan, and Morocco in the 1970s.

According to Denise Bratton's essay for his exhibition "Relief Skulpture" May 8-30, 1975 at the American Scandinavian Foundation in New York, "It is evident that Gravesen draws inspiration from such sources as traditional Northern mysticism, totemic imagery and natural forms, both organic and inorganic. After travelling in the East, he worked toward a synthesis of these sources - a more unified abstract vision. In New York he has encountered yet another visual tradition, one which he feels has above all given him 'belief in the future.'

Gravesen's work explores a medium which as yet remains uncharted. His is a patient search for new ways of expressing his vision with nails of all varieties, wood and found objects such as stones. There is diversity among these materials, and there is great strength in the way Gravesen 'works' them and makes them his personal statement."

This artwork is accompanied by a program for the Oluf Gravesen exhibition entitled, "Relief Skulpture" May 8-30, 1975 at the American Scandinavian Foundation in New York which includes an essay by Denise Bratton (quoted in part above) as well as Gravesen's resume and a photo of Gravesen in his New York City studio.

Provenance: Private Los Angeles, California, USA collection

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#177630

Hand signed and dated "Oluf Gravesen / Regnbuen, Mon / Denmark / August 1974" on verso. Also inscribed "#1" on verso and Couturier Gallery stamp on verso. Composition of nailing is excellent. Expected age wear and a few minor scuffs to wooden framing and wood panel verso. Fit with suspension wire which we would recommend replacing with new wire. Accompanied by an age-worn program for the Oluf Gravesen exhibition entitled, "Relief Skulpture" May 8-30, 1975 at the American Scandinavian Foundation in New York.