CHICAGO – A painting by Alex Katz, one of the greatest living American artists, tops a highly diversified lineup of works in Wright’s Contemporary Art auction Feb. 26, featuring Internet live bidding through LiveAuctioneers.com.
“This beautiful picture is the perfect image for a Chicago winter sale,” said Wright director Richard Wright. The abstract oil-on-linen landscape done in 1991 by the American pop artist measures 49 by 29 inches. It is entered in the sale with a $100,000-$150,000 estimate.
Kate Moss, the English model who has been on more than 300 magazines covers, is also on the cover of the Wright auction catalog. Chuck Close’s woven tapestry titled Kate is one of the most unusual lots in the sale. Combining modern technology with a 200-year-old weaving process, the artist produces photo-realistic portraits of startling clarity and depth.
“It’s interesting in terms of its materiality – and it’s huge: 102 inches high, 78 inches wide. It’s a really evocative image of such a famous celebrity, but then an intimate, unglamorized view of her,” said Wright. The 2007 work by Close is from Magnolia Tapestry Project is no. 3 of only 10. It is estimated to sell for $100,000-$150,000.
Generating interest in the run-up to the preview is an untitled painting by Raymond Parker (1922-1990).
“It’s sort of a Gottleib-looking AbEx canvas. There’s been a ton of interest it. I think it will exceed its estimate. It’s completely fresh to the market,” said Wright.
Ed Paschke (1939-2004), known in his hometown as “Mr. Chicago,” is represented in Wright’s auction by Starry Night, a neon-bright representation of a handgun. The oil on canvas painting is signed and dated on the lower left, “Paschke 88.”
“I think his work is definitely one to watch. It’s a big painting, 78 by 50, so we’ll see how it does,” said Wright, adding that he believes Paschke’s work is undervalued.
Wright will offer one of New York City artist Pat Steir’s large waterfall paintings, Blue Waterfall, done in 1988. Her oil on canvas painting, 36 by 72 inches, is estimated at $50,000-$70,000.
A leading sculpture in the sale will be a life-like lion by German artist Stephan Balkenhol.
“Balkenhol is most famous for his little carved figures atop columns. For the scale of sculpture he works in, this is a massive piece,” said Wright. “Never been exhibited – it’s a great piece from early in his career.” Constructed of painted plaster over steel, the lion commands a $30,000-$40,000 estimate.
Another sculpture in the sale is Clement Meadmore’s 8-foot-tall column of fabricated aluminum titled Meditation. The 1974 work has a $70,000-90,000 estimate. Born in Australia in 1929, Meadmore studied aeronautical engineering in college and designed furniture before devoting all his efforts to sculpture.
A signed Andy Warhol screenprint on paper of Mao is expected to bring $30,000-$50,000. The 1972 print is no. 196 of 250 and measures 36 inches square.
A special proof copy of a 1989 Roy Lichtenstein lithograph titled Grandpa carries a $20,000-$30,000 estimate. It measures 40 by 56 inches.
“I like the diversity on this sale,” said Wright. It is the company’s first since the presidential election. “We’re very optimistic about it; we’re also realistic.”
The auction will begin at noon Central Time on Feb. 26. Viewing will be Feb. 17-25, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. For more information call 312-563-0020 or visit the Web site at www.Wright20.com. View all 180 lots, leave absentee bids or sign up to bid live via the Internet on auction day through www.LiveAuctioneers.com.
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ADDITIONAL LOTS OF NOTE
