MICHAEL YOUNG (AMERICAN, B. 1952) PRIMA MATTER. Sand, Soil, and acrylic on canvas. Signed verso. Provenance: Blum Helman Gallery, NY, NY 85" x 84"

Because of the texture of this piece, it is difficult to discern the intentional wear and texture from actual deterioration. This piece had light overall grime build up to the surface. There is some wear and sand surface loss to the corners of this piece that is possibly form packaging. This wear is about 3-5" into the painting from the corner. The right edge of the canvas is not as thoroughly covered by the black undercoat and sand surface. It is unclear if it has been worn down from handling, or if this is from the artist. This worn area exposing some parts of the canvas material extend about 3-4" into the composition from the right edge. There are some more patches of sand loss/thin sand patches on the bottom edge, sections about 3" x 5". On the bottom edge of the canvas there is a patch of sand that is uniform brown, and lacking the black speckling like the rest of the canvas. This is possibly a patch, or water damage, or could possibly be from the maker. This section is about 13" long x 2.5" tall. There are a couple more 1" - 2" diameter spots that could possibly be new sand patches and are a slightly different sand pigment.