Sigmar Polke

Peter Dibke Collection, Cologne
Private Collection, Europe

Colour: The colours in the catalogue illustration are fairly accurate, although the overall tonality is slightly cooler in the original. Condition: This work is in very good condition. The sheet is attached to a backing mount at intervals on the reverse. This, and the artist's choice of medium causes the sheet to undulate slightly throughout. There are a few fine, shallow handling creases in places along the vertical edges, and another running parallel to the top edge towards the right corner. There is a minute nick to the paper towards the top right hand corner on the right extreme edge.
"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."

In 2008, the late German artist and director Christoph Schlingensief conceived of the idea to build his Operndorf Afrika (opera village) in the land-locked West African state of Burkina Faso. In line with his career long quest to activate his audience, challenge historical complacency and question artistic and social hierarchy, his Burkina Faso Opera Project was bred out of a fierce desire to ignite and cultivate discussion.  Throughout the planning of the project, Schlingensief invited artists to question the reasons and sustainability of a trans-global artistic project, creating a highly self-reflective realm in which to recognise the dynamics at play in such a cross cultural artistic collaboration.

In October 2011, the first building phase of the project was completed with the opening of the primary school, including classrooms, a cafeteria, a movie theatre, a sound studio, homes for the teachers, offices and warehouses. The building will continue throughout this year with the construction of an infirmary, a solar plant, guest houses and a sports ground. By incorporating the living and artistic areas, Schlingensief's vision is to radically join the inhabitant's social and artistic lives, so that they organically begin to inform and grow from one another. By facilitating intercultural exchanges and experiences, as well as helping to encourage future artistic creation, the central idea of the village is to introduce the future generation to the world of art, demonstrating that art is an integral part of everyday life, and that it can be a unifying force in a diverse world.

Following Christoph Schlingensief's untimely death, the project was chosen for the German Pavilion at the 2011 Venice Biennale, for which he posthumously won the prestigious Golden Lion award. The artist's visionary project is passionately being brought to fruition by his widow, Anio Laberenz with the help and support of those who understand the artistic and social importance of Schlingensief's Operndorf Afrika.

The following three works on paper by Sigmar Polke have been generously donated by the Friedrich-Christian Flick Collection, Berlin, and the proceeds from their sale will directly benefit the Operndorf Afrika Charity.