Art/Auctions

By Carter B. Horsley

The Spring evening sale of Contemporary Art at Philips de Pury is not on lots - only 34 -but long on quanity and it makes up for it with its very large indiscipinary affair of "Now" objects that will be auctioned March 4, 2010 as part of its most interesting grouping of the auctions being held here in New York and London. 

Lot 4, "Trapped Priest," is a very luscious and beautiful work by George Condo, who was born in 1927. It is 28 1/2 inches high and is numbered 4 of edition of four.

The catalogue provides the following commentary on the work:

"George Condo's oeuvre has been largely based on the creation of cartoon-like characters, examining the pscyhology of human carnality and deformity, though his dismantled visions of realty. His works evoke humor encouraging viewers to revel in their own sardonic mirth. His works evoke humor, encouraging viewers to revel in their own sardonic mirth. Condo's sculptures share imagery wuth his painters: imagery of characters that occupy the artist's mind as archetypes of human conditions. Condo's dissatisfaction with his Catholic childhood has preoccupied much of his work...driving him to create imagery that involved the vengeful militation of priests."

The lot has an estimate of $80,000 to $120,000.

The catalogue notes for Lot 11, "Scab Noggin," notes that "the present work by Steven Parrino an exemplary highlight of the artist's fascination with tools of contortion within the medium of painting resulted in deconstructed artworks reminiscent of artists such has Lucio Fontana and Piero Manzoni.

The quite exquisite lot has an estimate of $400,000 to $600,000.

Lot 17 is a stunning, mysterious sculpture by Isa Gensken, who was born in 1948. Made of steel and aluminum, the unique work measures 109 by 41 35 centimeters. Entitled "Schwules Baby," it was executed in 1997.

It has an estmate of $30,000 to $40,000.

Lot 33 is a very strong painting by Gilbert & George, who were born in 1942 and 1943 resectively. The work is entitled "Friend Fear" and was execued in 1983. It is acrylic and paper collage on paper in twelve parts in artists's metal frames. Its overall dimensions at 71 by 78 1/2 inches. It has an estimate $150,000 to $250,000.