Friday, July 14, 2023

6 Specialist Picks from Artsy’s July Post-War and Contemporary Auction https://ift.tt/0RGQKoE

Untitled, 2019
Morgan Blair
Artsy Auctions

Hatch Stare, 2020
Anthony Cudahy
Artsy Auctions

Artsy’s new Post-War and Contemporary auction features an exclusive selection of works by some of the most in-demand names in the market today.

Notably, lots 1–75 come from a prominent private collection. The seller has chosen to donate a portion of the proceeds from sales to the environmental nonprofit Art into Acres, as well as to the artists and/or the originating gallery. The sale of these lots has been made possible through the initiative of New York–based advisor Rachel Cole.

The auction opens for bidding on Monday, July 17th at 12 p.m. EDT and starts to close on Thursday, July 27th at 12 p.m. EDT.

Ahead of the sale, we caught up with Artsy’s in-house specialists to learn about some of the most impressive lots.


Amy Bennett, Summer Crush, 2017

Summer Crush, 2017
Amy Bennett
Artsy Auctions

American artist Amy Bennett’s painting technique is an unusual one. Rather than relying on preliminary sketches, Bennett’s artistic practice revolves around the creation of three-dimensional miniatures. The resulting works, drawing inspiration from rural and suburban environments, are a collection of seemingly mundane yet deeply evocative small-scale portraits that pulsate with an underlying sense of unease.

“I prefer painting from life—observing light hitting objects and I prefer how my paintings look when painted from observation rather than my imagination,” she said in an interview with Wertn.

Bennett’s work has been showcased at esteemed galleries including Galleri Magnus Karlsson and Richard Heller Gallery, and is also included in the collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art.

—Lauren Carpinelli, Post-War and Contemporary Auction Specialist, New York


Ana Benaroya, In Full Bloom, 2019

In Full Bloom, 2019
Ana Benaroya
Artsy Auctions

Known for her bold and empowering depictions of confident women, Ana Benaroya challenges and refutes the male gaze by showcasing women who smoke, indulge in alcohol, dance, and revel in their nudity.

Her artwork blends influences from popular culture, fine art, and contemporary social issues, creating visually captivating pieces. Drawing inspiration from prominent artists such as Tom of Finland, Robert Colescott, and Peter Saul, Benaroya’s artistic style features muscular and hypersexualized figures reminiscent of bodybuilders and comic book superheroes. Through her compositions, she pays tribute to these influential predecessors who celebrated robust physiques, while also celebrating the power and autonomy of the female form.

Before completing her MFA at the Yale School of Art, Benaroya honed her craft as a commercial illustrator and graphic designer. Her work has been acquired by prestigious collections such as the Beth Rudin DeWoody Collection, the Herbert & Lenore Schorr Collection, the Hall Art Foundation, the Alex Katz Foundation, and the Zuzeum Art Centre in Latvia.

—Lauren Carpinelli, Post-War and Contemporary Auction Specialist, New York


Rashaad Newsome, Ama, 2017

Ama, 2017
Rashaad Newsome
Artsy Auctions

The acclaimed artist Rashaad Newsome captivates audiences with his intricate collage work, which possesses a remarkable three-dimensional quality that may not be immediately apparent in mere images.

Newsome’s multidisciplinary approach extends to sculpture, video, computer programming, and performance. The profound impact of his art is evident in its inclusion in esteemed private and public collections, including renowned institutions like the Studio Museum in Harlem, the Whitney Museum of American Art, the Brooklyn Museum, the de Young Museum, and the Los Angeles County Museum of Art.

Ama (2017) was first exhibited in “Reclaiming Our Time,” held at De Buck Gallery in 2017. In this work, Newsome embarked on a critical exploration of Cubism. Through a masterful curation of images sourced from hip-hop and luxury magazines, the artist skillfully reclaims and reimagines the essence of the movement. The resulting works serve as a testament to Newsome’s ability to blend cultural influences and ignite a thought-provoking dialogue on themes of identity, representation, and artistic tradition.

—Caroline Perkins, Private Sales Advisor, New York


Daniel Heidkamp, Family Fireworks, 2018

Family Fireworks, 2018
Daniel Heidkamp
Artsy Auctions

Daniel Heidkamp’s captivating artwork Family Fireworks (2018) was first acquired from Stockholm’s Loyal Gallery in 2018 as part of the artist’s solo show entitled “Wavelength.”

Inspired by his own cherished memories, Heidkamp draws upon the picturesque seascape of his native New England, specifically capturing the spirited atmosphere of the Fourth of July celebrations. The painting serves as a window into a moment of joyful togetherness, as families gather to witness the dazzling spectacle of fireworks illuminating the night sky.

This work sits within Heidkamp’s body of work that revolves around the themes of movement and light. The artist skillfully employs a color palette recalling Fauvism, utilizing pure pigments and bright neon hues, which imbue the scene with electrifying energy. The result is a buzzing composition that transports viewers into a world where the vibrant colors and dynamic brushstrokes convey a sense of excitement and anticipation.

Family Fireworks was also included in a 2023 exhibition at Acquavella.

—Laura Martin, Post-War and Contemporary Auction Specialist, New York


Emily Ludwig Shaffer, Untitled, 2018

Untitled, 2018
Emily Ludwig Shaffer
Artsy Auctions

Emily Ludwig Shaffer’s paintings delve into captivating realms that bring together imagined architecture, lush greenery, domestic spaces, and surrealistic landscapes.

The New York–based artist—who received her MFA from Columbia University and a BFA from the Rhode Island School of Design—has had a wide range of solo exhibitions at esteemed galleries such as Peres Projects, Galerie Pact, and Dio Horia.

One notable aspect of Shaffer’s work, on display in Untitled (2018), is her distinct style of smooth matte surfaces, which possess a tactile quality that invites longer looking. Within these immersive canvases, she often revisits the concept of a “feminized city” and explores the gendered nature of domestic interiors.

Untitled originates from Shaffer’s presentation with Galerie Pact at the Sunday Art Fair in London in October 2018. This came shortly after her solo exhibition entitled “Stone Tapestry” at Galerie Pact in May of the same year.

The artist made an eye-catching auction debut last year at Phillips in New York: Bay Leaf Wrapped Night (2018) sold for $40,320—572% above its mid-estimate.

—Caroline Perkins, Private Sales Advisor, New York


Vickie Vainionpää, Study, 2019

Study, 2019
Vickie Vainionpää
Artsy Auctions

Originally from Canada, Vickie Vainionpää is known for her innovative use of technology, coupled with her masterful manipulation of form and space through painting.

She meticulously constructs twisting, tubular forms using generative 3D-modeling software. This system allows her to create visually striking compositions that seamlessly blend organic and geometric elements. Her creations push the boundaries of traditional artistic mediums, inviting viewers to explore the dynamic intersections of technology and visual aesthetics.

Study (2019) was first acquired in 2019 at the Bellevue Arts Museum in Seattle as part of its pop-up “While Supplies Last” sale.

In June 2023, the auction record for Vainionpää’s work was set by Soft Body Dynamics 111 (2023), which sold during “Artsy Impact Auction: Artists for Pride, Benefiting the Ali Forney Center.” Study represents a rare opportunity for art enthusiasts to acquire a piece by this highly sought-after artist at an accessible price point, as the artist’s popularity and recognition are growing.

—Laura Martin, Post-War and Contemporary Auction Specialist, New York



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