Contemporary scores several firsts
A strong showing for Swedish sculpture
Monday’s Contemporary auction introduced many new names to the Swedish auction market, including Malick Sidibé and Carsten Nicolai. Andreas Eriksson’s sculptures were also seen at auction for the first time.
Lena Nytén, Specialist Photography and Contemporary Art:
“The End was the most expensive work in the auction and was sold to the international market. Works by Lars Lerin and Marie-Louise Ekman attracted the highest numbers of bids. Among the international artists, I would highlight Carsten Nicolai, who attracted a huge amount of interest, selling for the first time at auction, as well as Cooper & Gorfer’s Knowing Vivienne.”
The final price for Eva Hild’s Layers from 2009 was SEK 318,750. Many people are fascinated by Hild’s eggshell-thin stoneware sculptures and it is most common to see them in white – the unusual black colour was bound to increase the interest.
Swedish contemporary sculpture held its own during the evening. Maria Miesenberger’s Stilla rörelse/Standing motion (Klättrande/Climbing) from 2012 sold for SEK 535,500. Andreas Eriksson’s oil paintings have been in hot demand on the market and the evening’s auction was the first time his sculptures had come up for sale. The unique pieces Content is a glimpse #21 and Content is a glimpse #23 in bronze from 2008 sold for SEK 102,000 each.
Lena Nytén:
“Who can resist the photograph Regardez Moi? Malick Sidibé’s depictions of life in Bamako, Mali in the 1960s are his most hotly sought-after works, as was clearly seen by the lively bidding. The work went for SEK 48,450 (estimate SEK 30–35,000). This is the first of his works to be sold on the Scandinavian market.
“Signed works by Lars Tunbjörk are unusual. Two strong pieces produced by Lars Tunbjörk were sold during the evening, setting new records. Midsommar i Rättvik (Midsummer in Rättvik) (1988) and Firm of accountants (1997) sold for SEK 56,350 and SEK 36,750 respectively. Tunbjörk’s depictions of Sweden and modern office life are iconic in Swedish photography.”
Auction highlights
