Barbara Ann Astman b.1950

The Red series, large red and black works that Astman began in 1980, were created using polaroid and Xerox technologies, something that few other artists were exploring then. In an earlier series Astman had superimposed typed letters across a polaroid photo and then, as with this splendid work, blown it up to a 4' by 4' mural. The power of the Red series was recognized by critics, curators, other artists, and collectors as soon as it was exhibited.

The format and the idea of the central figure with an assortment of objects suggested so many possibilities that Astman set off on an inspired set of variations that have, over time, been recognized and revered as truly iconic. Critics have argued about their meaning, their symbolism, the medium, and their significance and durability. What is perfectly clear is that this is a series of works of high importance, still enigmatic, but of enduring value and impact.

This particular variation has many of the background elements that others in the series have: the four-plug electrical plate, the drafting triangle, the bottle brush, and the slotted spoon, all spray painted in what the artist called a firebird red. What is always different is what the woman (yes, it is the artist, cropped at the knees and just below her eyes) is holding. In this case it is a large plastic globe of the earth, in others it is a banana and an apple, or a coffee mug and a telephone, or racket and ball. During her distinguished career, which now spans three decades, Astman's work has included numerous public commissions (including the Canadian Embassy, Berlin, and the Calgary Winter Olympics) and has been purchased for many major public art museums. Her work has been and continues to be innovative, provocative, technically exceptional, and always original. This is the first time one these remarkable works has come to auction, and we are pleased and honoured to offer it.