Important 20th Century and Contemporary Works Lead Phillips’ New York Design Auction

Important 20th Century and Contemporary Works Lead Phillips’ New York Design Auction

Sale on 5 June to Include Works By Peter Voulkos, Alberto and Diego Giacometti, John Baldessari, Fernando and Humberto Campana, and More

NEW YORK – 22 MAY 2024 – Phillips is pleased to announce highlights from the upcoming Design auction, set to take place on 5 June with the preview beginning on 30 May, with the full catalogue available for viewing here. The sale will showcase a diverse range of works, with top highlights including works by Alberto & Diego Giacometti, Peter Voulkos's Rasgeado, and John Baldessari's Ear Sofa and Nose Sconces. Notable pieces from the estates of Diana Shapiro and others will also be presented, offering collectors a unique opportunity to acquire rare and significant examples of 20th century and Contemporary design from important private collections. The works will be exhibited alongside FREESTYLE: Living with Art & Design, Property from a Private New York Collection with both sales taking place on the same day. The Design auction will commence at 11am ET, followed by FREESTYLE: Living with Art & Design at 2pm ET.

Benjamin Green, Associate Specialist, Head of Sale, notes, “We are excited to welcome collectors back to Phillips this June, as we present exceptional works that highlight the innovation and creativity of 20th Century and Contemporary designers. From Voulkos’ pioneering ceramics to Baldessari’s whimsical furniture pieces, this auction offers a chance to acquire works that not only exemplify the creators’ unique visions but also mark significant moments in design history. Additionally, we are excited to hold our Design auction alongside our FREESTYLE: Living with Art & Design, Property from a Private New York Collection sale, providing multiple opportunities for collectors to find what best suits their taste and imagination.”

Holding the highest two world auction records for Peter Voulkos, Phillips is proud to present Rasgeado, a sculpture by the artist titled after the Spanish guitar technique and boasting the top lot position of the sale. Created in 1958, Rasgeado marks a crucial early moment in Voulkos' career and exemplifies his innovative approach to ceramics, combining wheel throwing, slab construction, and abstract forms. This work, which has remained in the same family since its purchase from the artist in 1959, is making its first appearance on the market, underscoring its rarity and historical significance.

The auction features five important works from the estate of Diana Shapiro, including Diego Giacometti’s “Berceau” low table, second version, Tabouret à la harpie, and Cheval, tête baissée as well as Alberto Giacometti’s "Figure" floor lamp and "Étoile" table lamp. These pieces were acquired directly from Diego Giacometti in the late 1960s and into the early 1980s by Diana and Irvin Shapiro, who would go on to be long-time friends of the artist, with Giacometti’s works being kept in the same New York City apartment decades beyond their original creation. These pieces demonstrate the artists’ mastery in creating timeless, functional art, with exquisite craftsmanship and whimsical elements making them highly sought after in the market.

John Baldessari’s Ear Sofa and Nose Sconces, created in 2009, are standout pieces that blur the lines between art and functional design. These works, part of an edition of six produced by Beyer Projects, were designed for Baldessari's 2009 exhibition at the Museum Haus Lange in Germany and were also later installed in the Sprüth Magers Gallery in London as a performance piece involving a live actor seated on the sofa, smoking, with two white poodles on either side. The playful, yet thought-provoking, furniture pieces reflect Baldessari's fascination with human anatomy and his ability to transform everyday objects into profound artistic statements.

A rare "Animais Variados" sofa by the Campana Brothers, well known for their editioned seating designs of upholstered stuffed animals, is another auction highlight. This unique piece, designed for the Sao Paulo-based theatre company Companhia Delas de Teatro’s 2003 production of the play Burunganda, features the brothers' signature use of stuffed animals as upholstery. The sofa, prototype 1 from an edition of 8 plus 2 prototypes, is being sold by renowned Brazilian architect Isay Weinfeld, who designed the set for the play.

The sale also features a selection of French designs spanning from the Art Deco to the Post-War period. Highlights are two works by Art Deco master Albert Cheuret, renowned for his lighting designs and smaller furniture pieces adorned with exotic bird imagery. The ceiling light and pair of illuminated mirrors showcase Cheuret's signature “cigogne” (stork) motif. The sale also showcases Modernist designs that reflect a shift from the decorative styles of the 1920s towards more simplified and Cubist-inspired aesthetics, such as an armchair by André Sornay, a floor lamp by Maison Desny, and a carpet by Ivan Da Silva Bruhns. In the Post-War period, the use of materials such as steel, previously restricted due to wartime rationing, became more prevalent. Works by one of the most influential designers of this era, Jean Prouvé, are on offer with a number of his industrially produced seating and table designs.

Alongside the works of French designers are important examples from 20th Century Italian designers, including furniture by Gio Ponti and lighting by Angelo Lelii and Max Ingrand for Fontana Arte. Building on the strong representation of Brazilian designers in the recent London Design auction, the sale includes notable pieces from José Zanine Caldas, Joaquim Tenreiro, and Martin Eisler. These works demonstrate the rich tradition and modernity of Brazilian design, reflecting the country's unique contributions to the global design landscape. The auction will also include ceramics by renowned artists like Lucie Rie and Doyle Lane.

Rounding out the American Design portion of the sale is Harry Bertoia’s Untitled (Straw Form), circa 1960. Composed of hundreds of steel wires coated in brass and welded together, the present work hangs from above, commanding attention and exploring light and shadow within its open, jagged form.

Additional Highlights

Auction: 5 June 2024

Auction viewing: 30 May - 5 June

Location: 432 Park Avenue, New York, NY, United States, 10022

Click here for more information: https://www.phillips.com/auctions/auction/NY050124

ABOUT PHILLIPS

Phillips: where the world’s curious and bold connect with the art, design, and luxury that inspires them. As a leading global platform for buying and selling 20th and 21st century works, Phillips offers dedicated expertise in the areas of Modern and Contemporary Art, Design, Photographs, Editions, Watches, and Jewels. Auctions and exhibitions are primarily held in New York, London, Geneva, and Hong Kong, with representative offices based throughout Europe, the United States, and Asia. Phillips offers a regular selection of live and online auctions, along with items available for immediate purchase. Phillips also offers a range of services and advice on all aspects of collecting, including private sales and assistance with appraisals, valuations, and financial planning.

Visit phillips.com for further information.

*Estimates do not include buyer’s premium; prices achieved include the hammer price plus buyer’s premium.

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