Komar and Melamid

Estimate

80,000 - 120,000 USD

bidding is closed

Description

Komar and Melamid
Eros and Psyche from the series ANARCHISTIC SYNTHESISM
each signed Vitaly Komar and Alex Melamid, titled Eros and Pysche from the Anarchistic Synthesism Series, dated 1985-86 and variously labeled (on the reverse)
mixed media on two panels
60 by 36 in. and 60 by 34 in.
153 by 92 cm and 153 by 86.5 cm

Provenance

Acquired directly from the artist by the present owner in 2007

Exhibited

New York, Ronald Feldman Fine Arts, Inc., Anarchistic Synthesism, April-May, 1988

Literature

Carter Ratcliff, Komar and Melamid, New York, 1988, p. 166, plate 161, illustrated

Condition

This painting on masonite is mounted onto a wooden construction which is stable and flat, and seems to be a secure support. The edges and the corners are all undamaged. The paint layer does not appear to be varnished, nor should it be, and there seems to be no dirt or retouches. This picture should be hung as is. It appears that it is intended to be hung unframed and as the edges are undamaged, this method of hanging would be preferable. The following condition report has been provided by Simon Parkes of Simon Parkes Art Conservation, Inc. 502 East 74th St. New York, NY 212-734-3920, simonparkes@msn.com , an independent restorer who is not an employee of Sotheby's.
"This lot is offered for sale subject to Sotheby's Conditions of Business, which are available on request and printed in Sotheby's sale catalogues. The independent reports contained in this document are provided for prospective bidders' information only and without warranty by Sotheby's or the Seller."

Catalogue Note

Eros and Psyche belongs to Komar and Melamid's Anarchistic Synthesis series, which exemplifies their artistic concept of combining multiple styles from Western art history. The work is based on the Greco-Roman story of Eros and Psyche, which tells of the struggle for love and trust between its two protagonists. The tale is often considered a philosophical allegory that distinguishes the erotic and "heavenly" types of love. In Greek mythology, Eros was the primordial god of lust and love, while Psyche was purified by suffering and misfortune. In one panel, Eros is depicted hovering above Psyche, signifying the passion of love. The hand of God restrains Eros from the performance of an amorous act. The other panel depicts a ritual slaughter of an animal, symbolizing the act of making an offering to a deity as an outward manifestation of veneration. Deconstructing historical and art-historical categories, this work divides into two disconnected parts, juxtaposing an academic style in one panel with a gestural, expressionistic style in the other. According to Komar, such absurd combinations embody "anarchistic synthesis."