- 317
Huma Bhabha
Estimate
20,000 - 30,000 GBP
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Description
- Huma Bhabha
- Man of No Importance
- clay, wire, wood, bones, iron, cotton, fabric and glass
- 165.1 by 104.1 by 76.2cm.; 65 by 41 by 30in.
- Executed in 2006.
Provenance
Salon 94, New York
Acquired directly from the above by the present owner in 2007
Acquired directly from the above by the present owner in 2007
Exhibited
London, The Saatchi Gallery, The Empire Strikes Back, 2010
London, The Saatchi Gallery; Tri Postal Lille, La Route De La Soie/ The Silk Road, 2010-11
London, The Saatchi Gallery; Tri Postal Lille, La Route De La Soie/ The Silk Road, 2010-11
Literature
Herbert George Wells, The Shape of Things to Come: New Sculpture, London 2009, p. 144
Edward Booth-Clibborn, Richard Cork and Brian Sewell, The History of the Saatchi Gallery, London 2011, p. 785
Edward Booth-Clibborn, Richard Cork and Brian Sewell, The History of the Saatchi Gallery, London 2011, p. 785
Condition
Colour:
The colours in the catalogue illustration are fairly accurate.
Condition:
This work is in very good condition. All surface irregularities are in keeping with the artist's choice of medium and working process.
"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 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."
Catalogue Note
Reminiscent in form and impact of a tribal mask or polyphemus, Man of No Importance is a powerfully visceral work which projects an impression of commanding authority and strength. Although Bhabha’s sculptures are formed of an extraordinary array of ‘found’ objects, clay remains the most important material, as the artist has declared: “As soon as you put the clay on, this thing is just alive. It’s constantly looking at you” (the artist, cited in Hilarie M. Sheets, ‘Where Pharaohs Meet Mad Max’ in Art News, Summer 2010, n.p.). Bhabha here fashions eyes, mouth and nose out of an eclectic range of materials, whilst a mysterious ‘third eye,’ with its connotations of premonition and foresight, gazes out of a high domed forehead. The head is further characterised by the addition of an elongated beard which reaches towards the ground, arguably inviting associations with the appearance of a ‘village elder’ and introducing corresponding overtones of sagacity. Yet the evocative choice of title suggests that this ‘figure’ is representative of humankind in a more universal sense, an ordinary man deservedly immortalised through Bhabha’s unique creative language.