Anselm Reyle

Galerie Almine Rech, Brussels

Colour: The colours in the catalogue illustration are fairly accurate. Condition: This work is in very good condition. Upon extremely close inspection, there are a few minor rub marks towards the centre of the sculpture.
"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."

"They're from little African figurines that my mother has at home. I scan them and change the shape until they look like perfect modern sculptures, a bit like the ones you see when they show modern art in a Donald Duck comic...These are cast in bronze and altered with a new type of 'hologram effect' for car finishers. When you want to pimp your car, you use these kind of paint...And the bronze gives it a classical aspect, which I like. The figure would look exactly the same if it had been made of plastic, but you have another relation to it when you know it is bronze. The original figurines were made of soapstone. I later learned that they are not part of any African tradition, but were influenced by Western artists, like Henry Moore. Before, European artists - Picasso and others - were influenced by African artists. And this is the other way around."

The artist in conversation in: 'Anselm Reyle: The New King of Kitch?' ArtReview, December 2008