Cindy Sherman

Monika Sprüth Philomene Magers, Cologne/Munich/London 
Helge Achenbach, Düsseldorf

 

Colours: The colours in the catalogue illustration are fairly accurate although the overall tonality is softer in the original. Condition: This work is in good condition. There is a rub mark to the left edge of the frame and adhesive residue to the lower left corner beneath this. There are tiny losses to the outer edges of the frame. There are some minute dust particles scattered throughout the composition beneath the glass. There is a faint white horizontal rub mark and fine scratches scattered across the central band of the image. There are some scattered minute bumps, most visibly located to the upper right quadrant. There are three small white media accretions in the lower left quadrant.
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

Cindy Sherman was the recipient of the Wolfgang-Hahn-Award in 1997, at which time the Gesellschaft für Moderne Kunst acquired three large colour photographs by the artist, Untitled #152, (1985), Untitled #222, (1990) and Untitled #255, (1992). These works are on permanent loan to the Museum Ludwig.

 

A Benefit-Auction to support the Wolfgang-Hahn Preis

Sotheby's is proud to introduce the following ten lots which are being sold by the Gesellschaft für Moderne Kunst am Museum Ludwig, Cologne to support the the Wolfgang-Hahn Preis and its annual acquisition fund. Many of these works have been generously donated by previous winners of this award, which since it was established in 1994 has sought to recognize major accomplishment in the field of contemporary art and to bring that work into the public domain. Previous winners of the award include James Lee Byars (1994), Lawrence Weiner (1995), Günther Förg (1996), Cindy Sherman (1997), Franz West (1998), Pipilotti Rist (1999), Hubert Kiecol (2000), Raymond Pettibon (2001), Isa Genzken (2002), Niele Toroni (2003), Rosemarie Trockel (2004), Richard Artschwager (2005) and Mike Kelley (2006). Not only is this auction a one-off opportunity to acquire an excellent work donated to the Museum, it is also an opportunity to support the future of contemporary art in the Rhineland. The proceeds from these carefully selected lots will go a long way towards ensuring future generations are able to enjoy the continued benefits of this award. Fur further information please visit: www.gmk-koeln.de

About Wolfgang Hahn
Wolfgang Hahn (1924-1987) was a leading figure in the German contemporary art scene whose irrepressible passion and enthusiasm for art set the tone for a whole generation of collectors. He had an exceptional career as restorer - first becoming head of restoration of the Wallraf-Richartz-Museum and then the Museum Ludwig - and from the 1950s onwards collected works by artists ranging from Arman, Joseph Beuys and Yves Klein to John Chamberlain, Robert Rauschenberg and Cy Twombly.  Rudolf Zwirner recalls how "As much as he [Wolfgang Hahn] had a conserving and retrospective function as a restorer, as much did he search for the new, conscious of its transience, as a collector.  There was no comparable European / American collection to be found with such significant works of art, private or public, before 1968." He was one of the first collectors to acquire works of both Nouveau Réalisme and Pop Art, and the show 'Collection Hahn' in 1968 in Cologne was the first to exhibit contemporary art from Europe, the USA and Japan all together. Internationally acclaimed, it became the signal and the turning point for Cologne, both for collectors and for gallerists. Peter Ludwig sought Wolfgang Hahn´s acquaintance shortly after the exhibition and found a lifelong friend and advisor. Zwirner recalls how "In these years, Wolfgang Hahn became a friend, mentor and advisor to many collectors in Cologne, and the city became the centre for contemporary visual arts." Throughout these years, Hahn followed his interest in art objects even more strongly and collected works by George Brecht, Marcel Broodthaers, Allan Kaprow, Paul Thek to name but a few. Right up until his death in 1987, Wolfgang Hahn spent almost every evening and weekend visiting artists, galleries and museums. He wanted to understand artistic development in all its depth and this meant constantly searching the creative dialogue with everyone involved.

About the Gesellschaft für Moderne Kunst am Museum Ludwig, Köln
Wolfgang Hahn was a founding member of the Gesellschaft für Moderne Kunst when it was formed in 1985 by 43 Cologne collectors with the goal of supporting and promoting contemporary art internationally. Based on the understanding that contemporary art is an integral and indispensable part of public and private life, the Gesellschaft für Moderne Kunst has committed itself to developing the Museum Ludwig´s internationally renowned collection of modern and contemporary art, and has grown to be one of the most important partners of the Museum. In memory of his life as a collector, friend and an intermediary between artists and institutions, the Gesellschaft für Moderne Kunst called their award for contemporary art in his honour. Since the award's foundation, it has contributed significantly to the collection of the Museum Ludwig's permanent collection.

 

Quotes taken from:
Rudolf Zwirner, "Wolfgang Hahn", Address for the Preview of the Exhibition "The Sixties: New Adventures of Objects" at the Museum Ludwig, Cologne (in: Gesellschaft für Moderne Kunst am Museum Ludwig Köln, (Ed). Wolfgang Hahn 1924 - 1987. Kunst als Vehikel der Welterfahrung. Cologne 1997. 8-13)