Masterpieces, high-class photography reached world-record prices, and several new names at the auction market for this spring’s Contemporary Art & Design

Bukowskis Contemporary Art & Design presented several lots sold for over one million SEK and high quality levels for both prints and photography. The curved and colorful sculpture “La Tempérance” by Niki De Saint Phalle became the first million notation (in SEK) and achieved a fantastic final price of 1 641 580 SEK. The photography ”Paris, 1962”, also known as ”Boys with purses”, by Christer Strömholm became the most expensive photography by the photographer ever sold at auction with a final price at 223 125 SEK.

This is one of Christer Strömholm’s most known and appreciated motive and one of my personal favorites. The Swedish classic photography department has since a long time been ignored even though its high quality and therefore its extra exciting that we tonight could present a new world record at the auction market, says Karin Aringer, expert contemporary art and photography.

Lena Cronqvist was represented with several significant works where the most spectacular sculpture ”Grimaser, mun” achieved a final price of 712 880 SEK while the much smaller ”Flicka i balja” became the evenings surprise with a final price of 293 250 SEK, compared to the estimate price of 80 000 – 100 000 SEK. Ola Billgren´s ”Capri II”, an important piece in the artist´s production, was sold at a final price of 433 500 SEK, one of many highlights during the auction.

"The good result shows that Bukowskis reaches international buyers and sellers at the absolute highest level with its dynamic range. It was especially fun that Niki De Saint Phalle and Warhol reached a million notation in SEK, along with our Swedish stars such as Nathalie Djurberg and Jim Thorell sold for high final prices." says Louise Wrede, expert contemporary art.

The demand for graphics and art by contemporary classics is still going strong and Bukowskis has been able to present several exciting works by Andy Warhol, motif ”Marilyn Monroe” was the evenings second lot to sell for over 1 million SEK with a final price of 1 531 250 SEK. Warhols work “$” (Quadrant) achived a final price of 857 500 SEK, and “Herself” from three portraits of Ingrid Bergman realized a final price of 245 000 SEK.

Also masterpieces from leading Swedish artists such as Rolf Hanson, Lars Lerin and Ola Billgren were highly sought after and achieved outstanding final prices.

The design department begun the spring's Contemporary Art & Design auction with several of the most sought after postmodern classics from the Memphis group, such as Ettore Sottsass, Ron Arad and Superstudio. The well-formed and colourful objects attracted great attention in advance of the auction, as reflected in the strong result and a new trend-conscious audience who, through Bukowskis dynamic range discovered the auction market.

The interest for contemporary designers who represent our time was great, and several design classics achieved very high final prices. The intersection between established Swedish designers such as Jonas Bohlin and Mats Theselius together with some brand new names on the Swedish auction scene created an exciting dynamism with a new energy” says Jonathan Jahn, Bukowskis Specialist in Design and 20th-21st Century Works of Art.

Two great examples are “Älgskinnsfotöljen” by Mats Theselius which realized a final price of 108 375 SEK and Folkform´s “Suburban Skyline” with a final price of 29 400 SEK.

“The worlds most comfortable Lounge Chair by Charles & Ray Eames was another highly achieved lot, which after an intense bidding war ended at a final price of 85 750 SEK”, says Eva Seeman, Specialist design and 20th Century Works of Art Department.

Consignment accepted for upcoming auctions