Thursday, October 27, 2016

Latin American Art Auction on view in Miami


Highlights from Phillips’ Latin American Art Auction on view in Miami

“Lo Concreto en rojo,” 1954, by José Mijares (1921-2004). Estimate: $30,000 - $50,000
(Image courtesy of Phillips / Phillips.com)
Over 30 works from the Latin American Art Auction by Phillips, to be held on November 22 in New York, will be showcased in an exhibition in Miami from November 3 - 6. The exhibition, open and free to the public, will showcase seminal works by artists such as Lygia Pape, Antonio Dias, Carlos Cruz-Diez, and Olga de Amaral at the Palm Court event space, 140 NE, 39th Street, Miami.
Kaeli Deane, Phillips’ Head of Sale, Latin American Art, said, “It is a privilege to have the opportunity to bring such exciting works of art to the public in Miami again this season. Always a tremendous supporter of the visual arts, the Miami Design District is an ideal setting for this important exhibition of Latin American masterworks. We’re particularly excited for collectors and art enthusiasts in the area to view Olga de Amaral’s “Poblado K,” proceeds from which will benefit the VivArte’s participating foundations, Caring for Colombia and Primero Lo Primero.”
“Poblado K” was completed earlier this year by the 86-year-old Colombian artist, known for her distinctive large-scale abstract woven pieces, often covered in gold and silver leaf, lending them an almost sculptural quality in contrast to the feeling of a tapestry. It is estimated to fetch $200,000 - $300,000. Amaral’s richly textured pieces evoke the varied natural landscapes of Colombia as well as ancient pre-Columbian gold artifacts. “Poblado K” is one of nine works of art by female artists in the November auction, whose sale will benefit VivArte, a joint philanthropic effort to transform vulnerable communities in Colombia through health, education, and arts initiatives. From the sale of each piece, 50 percent will be donated by the artists to VivArte’s participating organizations, Caring for Colombia and Primero Lo Primero.

Another important work on view will be “Escultura,” 1965, by celebrated Brazilian artist Lygia Pape (1927-2004), founder of the Neo-concrete movement dedicated to the inclusion of art in everyday life. Estimated at $400,000 - $600,000, “Escultura” is of great art historical significance, standing at a pivotal moment in Pape’s trajectory, executed between her Neo-Concrete and experimental film stages. It has come to the market at a timely moment, with a major exhibition dedicated to Pape opening at the The Met Breuer in early 2017.


Another highlight is an untitled work from 2005 by Antonio Dias (born 1944) that will be sold on behalf of the Brazil Golden Art Collection, which focuses on Brazil’s leading contemporary artists. This large-scale work explores the artist’s preoccupation with color and space, blurring the lines between painting and sculpture. It is estimated at $120,000 - $180,000.
The exhibition will also showcase examples from a special section of the auction dedicated to Cuban Concrete Art from the 1950s and 1960s. These historical works by artists like Loló Soldevilla, José Mijares, and Salvador Corratgé have recently become increasingly desirable, with many museums acquiring works from this short-lived movement for their permanent collections.
— The exhibition will be held at Palm Court event space, 140 NE 39th Street, Miami, November 3-6, 10 am - 6 pm
— The auction will be held at 450 Park Avenue, New York, November 22, 11am EST. Public viewing: November 18 - 22. For details, visit www.phillips.com