Franz West

Galleria Mario Pieroni, Rome

Franz West, Galleria Mario Pieroni, Rome, 1991/1992

Overall good condition. The covering of this divan is a vintage carpet which has surface dirt throughout. With scattered areas of wear, isolated holes and scattered pulls. The carpet is a fragment and appears to have been cut to one side and is not finished. The color is slightly inconsistent across the carpet, likely due to sun exposure. Minor losses to fringe to the proper right side of the divan. The proper right side to the front of the carpet just below the armrest with a tear and triangular shaped loss measuring four inches by three inches. With two upholstered bolster pillows which are under the carpet. The rebar understructure with oxidation. The overall understructure is asymmetrical in design and was created by the artist. With foam under cushions and single piece of cardboard.
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.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.

"Sculpture is more about three-dimensionality than painting, and gets you away from the picture surface.  In my case that went even further, almost as far as the stage" 

Franz West

 

At Documenta IX in Kassel Germany, Franz West introduced a new bold concept in his work that took a historical furniture form into the realm of site-specific performance sculpture.  The installation incorporated 72 divans, much like the current lot, each made of asymmetrical iron understructures that were draped with a vintage carpet.  The audience was instructed to sit and use the furniture during the installation.  This blending of artistically rendered furniture within a manipulated and controlled environment by West became the basis for his early designs.

 

The current unique work dates from the same year and was created as an homage to co-exhibitor Dimitri Prigov at the Gallerie Pieroni.  West designed furniture that allowed space for contemplation of Prigov's prose.  This single divan created a contextualized setting for the sculpture, in much the same fashion as the exhibition at Documenta.

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