Time To Start Bidding! BAM Benefit Auction Highlights

by Paddy Johnson on March 31, 2011 · 2 comments Events

Laurie Simmons, "Kaleidoscope Pool House #3 (By Night)", 2002 Flex print 16 x 24 inches Edition 5/5, Opening bid: $4,000.00. Estimated value: $10,000.00

The Brooklyn Academy of Music’s (BAM) annual benefit art auction keeps getting better. Launched yesterday, the online catalogue hosts the blue chippiest of blue chip artists, along with BAM’s trademark selection of up-and-coming artists. Those who have even an inkling that they might want some new art should take a look at the catalogue. The potential of ending up with a work of art at a great price is high, and should a bidding war occur over a desirable work of art, surely supporting BAM is worth going the extra mile. A cocktail reception will be held at BAM on the final day of the auction, April 10th, where all the work will be on display. May no enthusiast return empty handed!

In support of this, I’ve linked up a few available works by superstars like Laurie SimmonsCarroll Dunham, Richard Serra, Cindy Sherman, Jeff Koons, Dana Schutz, Tara Donovan, James Rosenquist, and Alex Katz. I’ve gone through and highlighted work I think is exceptional and worth an extra look. All personal biases will be reviewed.

Gregory Crewdson, "Untitled (II)", 2010, Cloth-bound monograph, production still, specially designed box18 x 15 1/4 x 1 3/4 inches, Edition 13/50. Opening bid: $600.00 Estimated value: $1,500.00

There’s just nothing sexier than a well-made book, though they rarely bring in prices comparable to those for photographs and prints. With the rise of art book fairs I expect this will change in the long run, but for the moment the only book in the show is by superstar photographer Gregory Crewdson. I like it.

Rico Gatson, "Odetta", 2011, Color pencil and photo-collage on paper17 x 17 inches, Opening bid: $500. Estimated value: $1,200.00

I named Rico Gatson as one of the artists I’d most like to see receive a show at The New Museum. He’s under-recognized, and I’m not going to be happy until a New York museum gives him the show he deserves. Bid here.

Kristen Schiele, "Magic Lady", 2009, Mixed media on panel10 x 10 inches. Opening bid: $500. Estimated value: $1,200.00

Up until stumbling upon her work yesterday in the BAM auction catalogue I knew very little about Kristen Schiele’s work. I still don’t know too much, but Schiele’s studio visit page on PS1 helps. As for this work, it’s listed because I really Schiele’s use of texture in this painting. There’s a lot of variation here, without overwhelming. Bid here.

Todd Norsten, "Untitled", 2010, Oil on canvas 16 x 12 inches. Opening bid: $1,000. Estimated value: $2,500

Put Todd Norsten in the Kristen Schiele category of artists: I’ve only recently gotten to know this work. I don’t have anything particularly deep to say about the work, I just like that it’s a half of a three…or eight. Bid here.

Liz Magic Laser, "Deposit", 2008, C-print 11 3/4 x 17 3/4 inches. Opening bid: $600.00. Estimated value: $1,500.00

Honestly, I’m still trying to figure out what the big deal about Liz Magic Laser is — she got a lot of ink during Greater New York last year — but you know, we can figure that out after someone buys this picture of meat being slipped into an ATM. Donating to BAM is a GOOD CAUSE. Bid here.

Lisa Yuskavage, "A Bad Habit", 1995-2011, Giclée Print 26 x 18 inches, Edition 1 of 10, 2 APS and 1 PP. Opening bid: $1,200.00, Estimated value: $2,800.00

I’m not familiar enough with the Yuskavage market to know whether there are a lot of images like this floating around, but I really like it regardless. Everyone loves to hate Lisa Yuskavage, but this is a good example of some of her better work. Bid here.

Jeff Koons, "Puppy Vase", 1998 White glazed porcelain vase 17 1/2 x 10 1/2 x 15 1/2 inches Edition 2166 of 3000

Listen, there are 3,000 of these puppies out there, I’m not going to pretend like this is a great deal given the edition size. It’s a luxury item, but I still love it. Bid here.

{ 2 comments }

Dave Harper March 31, 2011 at 6:11 pm

i know I am biased, but it sure does look great!

ls March 31, 2011 at 11:07 pm

I have happily supported BAM’s auction over the years, but this year it’s tough.
I love Dana Schutz, but the last couple of works she’s donated to charity auctions, while always a great gesture, leave a lot to be desired.
I’m also trying to figure Liz Magic Laser out, did you see her photo at fordproject? I think it may be one the best things I’ve seen from her, and I’m not sure that’s saying much.

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