AUCTION 3
‘Untitled (ELMAR)’ by Jean-Michel Basquiat Set to Make Auction History
Jean-Michel Basquiat, Untitled (ELMAR) 1982. Photo: Jean Bourbon. Courtesy Phillips
BY SEAN LEYWES
NEW YORK-NY.,-Jean-Michel Basquiat’s Untitled (ELMAR) stands as a monumental testament to the artist’s prowess, a significant piece from his 1982 collection. This masterpiece, currently in the collection of anthropologist Francesco Pellizzi, will go on auction at the Phillips Auction House in New York. It has an estimated value ranging from $40 to $60 million.
Untitled (ELMAR) is a sprawling canvas, nearly eight feet wide, showcasing Basquiat’s unique artistic vision. Rich in symbolism and self-referential imagery, the painting depicts a modern-day Icarus on the brink of descent. He is targeted by an archer releasing two arrows toward him.
Jean-Michel Basquiat: Symbolism and Powerful Imagery
One side of the canvas features a figure reminiscent of a “fallen angel,” with a bird-like shape and a crown of thorns. It symbolizes both a halo and vulnerability. This celestial figure hovers over a vibrant expanse of scribbled waves, resembling a luminous blue sea. The text “ELMAR” grounds the scene, suggesting a narrative akin to the mythical story of Icarus.
In contrast, on the opposite side of the canvas, a radiant archer takes aim, also crowned like his celestial counterpart, shooting two arrows with clear intent. This contrast of the divine and the earthly, the spiritual and the grounded, reveals Basquiat’s exploration of duality within his own persona.
Untitled (ELMAR) has a rich history, having appeared in significant exhibitions. It was in a 1989 exhibition on Pellizzi’s collection at the Hofstra Museum in New York. The painting was also in a commemorative exhibition marking the 10th anniversary of Basquiat’s passing at Gagosian Los Angeles in 1998. Furthermore, it was part of the artist’s retrospective at the Fondation Louis Vuitton in Paris in 2018.
With an estimated value of $40 to $60 million, Untitled (ELMAR) is a testament to Basquiat’s creative zenith. This masterpiece will no doubt captivate collectors and enthusiasts alike at the auction. It will also reaffirm Basquiat’s legacy as one of the most influential artists of the 20th century.
I don’t listen to what art critics say. I don’t know anybody who needs a critic to find out what art is.
Jean-Michel Basquiat
Grinch Animation Art from Chuck Jones Goes on Auction
Rare Grinch animation art from the 1966 classic is going to auction. Hand-picked from Chuck Jones’ archive—this is a collector’s dream.
DALLAS— In celebration of the Golden Anniversary of Dr. Seuss’ How The Grinch Stole Christmas, Heritage Auctions will be offering the largest collection of original animation art from the animated Christmas special. The auction is part of Heritage Auctions animation art sale. This historic event will take place on June 11 in Dallas. It will showcase rare pieces from the personal archives of legendary animator Chuck Jones.
A portion of the auction proceeds will benefit the Chuck Jones Center for Creativity in Orange County, California.
Animation Art Auction Highlights
The Heritage Auctions animation art sale will include 27 original pieces. They all relate to the genesis and making of Dr. Seuss’ How The Grinch Stole Christmas. Expectations are that three exceptionally rare Key Master Set-Ups from the landmark cartoon, original artworks by Chuck Jones and Maurice Nobel used in the making of the cartoon will drive auction prices very high. In addition, a plethora of important animation cels along with original Chuck Jones Grinch paintings featuring the characters of the Christmas classic are already generating excitement among collectors.
One of the major highlights of the auction is a remarkable hand-painted production cel of the Grinch. In it, the Grinch looks into a hand mirror in the mouth of his faithful pooch Max as he completes his Santa costume. A spectacular offering, this significant artwork is on the Key Master Hand-painted Production background from the scene in which the only one was made and used for the production. It has an estimate of more than $25,000.
Another major highlight of the Animation Art auction is one of the first concept drawings of the Grinch by Chuck Jones. Listed as one of the earliest drawings of the Grinch character by the animator, the Grinch has a protruding belly. Accompanying the drawing is one of the first hand-painted cels of the Grinch. It has an estimate of more than $10,000.
Grinch Animation Art from the Chuck Jones Archives
Jim Lentz, Director of Animation Art Auction at Heritage Auctions describes the collection as one of a kind:
This is an unprecedented offering and, more importantly than anything else, it comes directly from the Chuck Jones Personal Archives, chosen specifically by Jones’ daughter, Linda and his grandson Craig Kausen.”
Chuck Jones is an important figure in American animation. He brought the Grinch to life with his distinctive style, alongside production designer Maurice Noble. Their collaborative genius is evident throughout this collection.
A Beloved Holiday Classic Turns 50
Originally released in 1966, How the Grinch Stole Christmas is a classic. It has become one of the most cherished holiday specials of all time. Narrated by Boris Karloff and adapted from Dr. Seuss’ book, the animated version has continued to delight audiences for generations.
This 50th-anniversary auction not only honors that legacy but provides fans a rare chance to own part of it.
Supporting Creative Education
In addition to celebrating Chuck Jones and Dr. Seuss’ legacy, this auction will support a good cause. A portion of the proceeds will benefit the Chuck Jones Center for Creativity. The nonprofit organization is dedicated to nurturing creativity in children and adults through art and storytelling.
Street Art Auction: Banksy Shines at Julian’s Art Sale
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA–Julian’s Auctions recent street art sale brought together an amazing collection of Banksy artworks. The auction which realized more than $1.3 million in the sale also included artworks by other important street artists and contemporary art. Included in the street art and contemporary art auction were works by Shepard Fairey, RETNA, Damien Hirst, Alec Monopoly, KAI, DOC, Gregory Siff, Ben Eine, Rene Gagnon, Zevs, D*Face, Faile, Kaws, Ludo, Dolk, Saber, Nick Walker, and Mar.
Banksy Shines Street Art Sale
Although works by many of the street artists made a significant impact at the auction, Banksy artworks put collectors on the edge of their seats at the auction. One of his artworks that captivated collectors was Happy Coopers. The 2002 aerosol stencil depicts a squadron of choppers in a tactical attack formation. On the lead chopper is a pink bow. The work borders on the interplay of femininity and masculinity. A bundle of contradictions, the artwork questions the motive of the helicopters in a way that plays on both sides of war and peace. The artwork was created on the board originally used to prevent the public from accessing a construction site in London at the Whitecross Street Market in 2002. It sold for $140,800.
Banksy Untitled (DJ & Crane) 1999, sold for $128, 000 at Julian’s Street Art Auction
Other Banksy art sold at the Street Art Auction:
Heart Boy which sold for $125,000
Toxic Mary (2004) sold for $12,800.
Bomb Love, a Screenprint on paper, depicting a young girl in a black dress tenderly clutching a bomb as if it were a teddy bear sold for $35,200.
NOLA (2009) sold for $41,600.
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