Mark Grotjahn

Blum & Poe, Los Angeles
Jack Tilton Gallery, New York
Acquired directly from the above in 2006

London, Royal Academy of Arts, USA Today, 2006, p. 159, illustrated in colour

Jonathan Cape, Abstract America: New Painting, London 2008, p. 56, illustrated in colour

The colours in the catalogue illustration are fairly accurate although the overall tonality is slightly cooler in the original. This work is in very good condition. No restoration is apparent under ultraviolet light.
"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."

The butterfly has become to Mark Grotjahn what the target is to Kenneth Noland, the zip was to Barnett Newman, and the colour white is to Robert Ryman, Grotjahn's abstracted geometric figure is suitably elusive. In fact, the more familiar it becomes, the more he refines its ability to surprise and, perhaps paradoxically, takes it further away from actual butterflyness. (Holte, Michael Ned, 'Mark Grotjahn' in: Artforum, November 2005, p. 259)