“I once titled a painting Time Flowers in which the word flowers functioned both as a noun and as a verb. The flowers were colored tenpenny nails arranged in groups of five, the way prisoners mark time on the walls of their cells.”
—James RosenquistJames Rosenquist took pride in his titles. Each always aptly embodies the essence of its image. Drawing #7 from Heart Time Flowers represents three blossoms comprised of multi-colored nails like petals. Rosenquist began using the nail motif after spending time in jail for protesting the Vietnam War. They serve as tally marks, ticking off the passing time. He first turned these nails into flowers in Time Flowers from the series Nails (1974), and in this iteration, they embody a sense of sharp stagnation while simultaneously representing growth and beauty. “It has to have two almost contradictory qualities,” the artist said of his work.i This duality was essential to Rosenquist. He sought to create images that elicited an initial reaction and encouraged the viewer to look deeper and uncover elements only discernable upon closer inspection.
James Rosenquist, Time Flowers from the series Nails, 1974, Museum of Modern Art, New York. Artwork: © 2024 James Rosenquist/Licensed by VAGA, New York, NY Rosenquist created the series Heart Time Flowers to raise funds for the Hahnemann Hospital, which specialized in cardiology and is likely the reason for the addition of “Heart” to the title.
i James Rosenquist, Painting Below Zero, 2009, p. 290.
Property from the Estate of an American Collector
153
Drawing #7 for Heart Time Flowers
1980
Unique acrylic spray and watercolor drawing, on wove paper.
19 7/8 x 27 7/8 in. (50.5 x 70.8 cm)
Signed, titled and dated in pencil, framed.
Estimate
$6,000 - 9,000
Sold for $7,620
editions@phillips.com
212-940-1220
Editions & Works on Paper
New York Auction 16 - 17 April
