156
Mark Di Suvero
American, b. 1933
"Untitled", 1972
steel sculpture of interlocking parts
initialed, dated, numbered "28/250" and copyright-marked under top element.
h. 10", w. 7-3/8", d. 2-1/8"
Estimate: $2,000 - $4,000
Starting Bid: $1,600
Additional Details
Provenance: Estate of Thomas B. Lemann, New Orleans, Louisiana.
While considered an abstract expressionist sculptor, di Suvero's mature work reveals the clear influence of Constructivism; large-scale, site specific and often interactive in nature, utilizing salvaged industrial materials. His earlier sculptures included wood and found objects, but he soon concentrated on welded steel for his outdoor works, which often required the use of a crane for completion.
Di Suvero received a degree in philosophy from the University of California, Berkeley. He worked tirelessly as an activist and was arrested several times for his anti-war demonstrations, culminating in him moving to Europe for several years. He did not return to the United States until the end of the Vietnam War. While in Europe, di Suvero exhibited widely, and was the first living artist to have a solo exhibition at the Jardin des Tuileries, Paris. He was later named a Commandeur d'Ordre des Art et des Lettres by the French Ministry of Culture, quite an honor for a non-French person.
In 1976, a retrospective of his work was held at the Whitney Museum of American Art and in 2010, he was awarded the prestigious National Medal of Arts from the National Endowment of the Arts. A retrospective was recently held at Nasher Sculpture Center in Dallas of his sculptures, drawings and paintings.
Condition:
New Orleans Auction Galleries is pleased to issue and opinion of any lot; the absence of a condition report does not indicate that a lot is perfect condition or free from damage and/or wear. Please understand that New Orleans Auction Galleries employs no professional conservators. All statements in any condition report, or statements taken verbally, are purely our best opinions, and not blanket statements of fact issued by this auction house. Prospective buyers should examine each lot so as to satisfy themselves concerning condition, genuineness, importance, age, etc. Regardless of any statements made in writing or verbally, all lots are sold strictly "As Is" in accordance with section 2 of our Conditions of Sale. No returns will be accepted on the basis of condition.