Sotheby’s Latin American Contemporary Art auction in May is one of the highlights of New York City’s Latin American art scene.
Sotheby’s Latin American Contemporary Art Auction May 2017
Sotheby’s Spring Latin American Contemporary Art Auction of 32 lots goes on public view Saturday May 20 for auction Thursday, May 25 at 7pm.
Columna Reticulárea
The lead work is Jewish-Venezuelan artist Gego’s Columna Reticulárea (1969). This exceptional piece comes from the first year of the Reticulárea series which is her most popular. These hanging wire sculptures were woven together by hand and adapted to each space where they were installed.
Gego took simple line drawing from two dimensions into three dimensions, and then into the fourth dimension of time.
The piece has been privately held since it was bought from the gallery in 1970. It is estimated to sell for $1,000,000 to $1,500,000.
Madre Cava
Gonzalo Fonseca (1922-1997)was an Uruguayan sculptor influenced by Pre-Columbian ruins and the art of fellow Uruguayan Joaquín Torres-Garcia.
Torres-Garcia was an important figure in 20th century art because he was a Latin American who worked in Europe at the height of the Modern period. He published over 150 books on art theory and taught as well. Torres-Garcia established schools in Spain and Montevideo. This “School of the South” helped bring Modernism to Latin America.
Fonseca joined Taller Torres-García (Torres García Workshop) when it was founded in 1942. Traveling through the Mediterranean inspired Fonseca to create monumental sculptures. He bought an abandoned quarry in Italy and set to work. Fonseca is considered to be the best of the School of the South sculptors.
Gonzalo Fonseca “Madre Cava” (1978). Courtesy of Sotheby’s New York.
Madre Cava (1978) was originally conceived to be part of a much larger work. It is currently in Florida. It is estimated to sell for $500,000-$700,000.
Other Highlights
Joaquín Torres-García “Arte Constructivo” (1936). Courtesy of Sotheby’s New York.
Joaquín Torres-Garcia (Uruguayan, 1874-1949), Sin Título (1936). Estimate $200,000 – $250,000.
Jesús Rafael Soto (Venezuelan, 1923-2005), Construcción en Blanco (1974). Estimate $500,000-$700,000.
Almir Mavignier (Brazilian, 1925, age 92), Durchdringung Orange Auf Orange (Interpentração Laranja em Laranja). Estimate $40,000-$60,000.
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