Phillips’ Modern & Contemporary Art Sale on 17 July to Showcase Fresh-to-Market Works Spanning the Century
New York Live Auction to Present a Diverse Selection of Artists,
From Salvador Dalí and Lynne Drexler to Tracey Emin and Issy Wood
NEW YORK – 28 JUNE 2024 – Phillips proudly presents highlights from the upcoming Modern & Contemporary Art auction, scheduled for 17 July at 10am EDT. Featuring an impressive selection of over 140 lots that carry a combined estimate in excess of $3.3 million, the sale marks a nearly 50% increase from last year's inaugural July auction. A diverse selection of works by 20th and 21st century masters will be featured, including those by Salvador Dalí, Alexander Calder, Sam Gilliam, and Alex Katz. Fresh-to-market pieces by Lynne Drexler, Jane Piper, Elaine de Kooning, and Alice Baber will also be on offer. The sale will be on view to the public from 10 – 16 July at 432 Park Avenue.
Nina Piro, Specialist, Associate Vice President, said, “The July Modern & Contemporary Art Sale reflects the diverse and dynamic nature of Phillips, offering something truly special for collectors and art enthusiasts alike. Through the relationships and expertise of our team, we have assembled a high-quality sale that marks a 50% increase in value from last year. We look forward to sharing with our community of collectors this impressive range of examples by established artists alongside fresh-to-market works by women artists who are seeing well-deserved and long-overdue recognition.”
Exemplary of Jules Olitski's “staining” technique, where acrylic paint soaks into raw canvas, Untitled, 1964, features sweeping zones of deep rose and vivid orange, with thin bands of green at the edges. Painted during his tenure at Bennington College, Untitled showcases Olitski's mastery of color, merging figure and ground. Untitled bridges Olitski’s Stain and Spray paintings, hinting at the soft color interplay he later achieved with spray paint, which contributed to his acclaim in the Color Field movement and his selection for the 1966 Venice Biennale.
Leading the sale is Salvador Dali’s Saint Georges et le dragon, 1962, capturing the legendary tale with a vibrant, dynamic composition. The work showcases Saint George and his horse trampling the dragon, rendered with precise anatomy and powerful energy. Dali's Surrealist touch adds depth and intrigue, incorporating fantastical elements and subtle details that reference his knowledge of Renaissance masters and the psychoanalytic roots of the Surrealist movement. The faceless princess and background details enhance the unsettling yet awe-inspiring atmosphere of this masterful piece.
Another highlight in the auction is Tracey Emin’s You Forgot to Kiss My Soul, 2007, which demonstrates her ability to blend text and images to convey intimate narratives. Using hand-blown neon tubing in her distinctive handwriting, this piece captures themes of love and heartbreak with raw, confessional emotion, framed within an organically outlined heart. Emin's work, which spans painting, needlework, installation, and photography, consistently features autobiographical storytelling, as seen in this piece and her earlier acclaimed works.
Auction: 17 July 2024 10am EDT
Auction viewing: 10 - 16 July
Location: 432 Park Avenue, New York, NY, United States, 10022
Click here for more information: https://www.phillips.com/auctions/auction/NY011024
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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