Günther Uecker

Collection de Madame Breughelmans, Anvers
Collection particulière, Belgique

This work is in good original condition. There is some surface dirt throughout. Some wax is visible at the lower right corner, covering a paint loss. There is another spot of wax at the base of the 4th nail going down from the top right corner and another spot of wax covering a paint loss between the 3rd and the 4th nails going left from the top right corner. A few remnants of white paint are visible in the lower part of the work. Colours: the catalogue illustration is accurate but does not convey the volume of the work.
"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."

signed, dated and titled on the back; oil on canvas laid down on board and nails. Executed in 1965.

Günther Uecker sur Nageleck, 1968. © Lothar Wolleh, Düsseldorf/ADAGP, Paris, 2009

" Mes structures blanches ont été réalisées à partir d'éléments préfabriqués comme les clous ; je les appelle sciemment "objets" car elles diffèrent tellement des représentations picturales sur toile. Dans un premier temps, j'ai utilisé des rythmes structurellement rigides ainsi que des séquences mathématiques qui se dissolvent progressivement dans un rythme plus libre. (...)
Je me suis arrêté sur le choix d'une zone blanche parce que c'est l'ultime de la couleur, parce que c'est l'ultime lumière, et enfin parce que c'est le triomphe sur l'obscurité. Je considère qu'un monde blanc est humain ; un homme peut commencer correctement l'expérience de son existence, en tant qu'être coloré – il peut commencer à vivre. Ces structures blanches pourraient devenir un langage spirituel avec lequel nous commencerions à méditer."
(Günther Uecker, Struktury, in cat exp. Museum Sztuki w lodzi, 1961)