- 113
Theaster Gates
Estimate
22,000 - 28,000 GBP
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Description
- Theaster Gates
- Black Box II
- wood and black glass
- 118 by 81 by 50cm.; 46 1/2 by 31 7/8 by 19 5/8 in.
- Executed in 2011.
Provenance
Kavi Gupta Gallery, Chicago
Acquired directly from the above by the present owner
Acquired directly from the above by the present owner
Exhibited
Chicago, Kavi Gupta Gallery, An Epitaph for Civil Rights and Other Domesticated Structures, 2011-12
Condition
Colour:
The colours in the catalogue illustration are fairly accurate, although the tonality if the wood is deeper and richer in the original.
Condition:
This work is in very good condition. Extremely close inspection in raking light reveals evidence of superficial, light handling to the black glass. All surface irregularities in the wooden elements are in keeping with the artist's choice of found medium.
"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
The present work formed part of Theaster Gates’ show, An Epitaph for Civil Rights and Other Domesticated Structures in 2011. Taking the 1963 Southern Christian Leadership Conference's campaign against discrimination laws in Birmingham, Alabama, as its subject, the exhibition explored the historic potency of the event, during which hundreds of Civil Rights activists were violently oppressed by the county's police and fire brigades.
The viewer's eye is drawn to the smooth, black glass at the centre of the work. Curious to see what lies beneath, the spectator is confronted with his own reflection. Framing the polished surface with wood and tiles taken from the sub-flooring of one of his building projects on the South Side of Chicago, Gates elegantly combines reclaimed industrial materials to form a striking minimalist structure laden with a potent historical narrative. Striking and stark Black Box is a poignant example of Gates' continued engagement with issues of social responsibility and cultural identity.
The viewer's eye is drawn to the smooth, black glass at the centre of the work. Curious to see what lies beneath, the spectator is confronted with his own reflection. Framing the polished surface with wood and tiles taken from the sub-flooring of one of his building projects on the South Side of Chicago, Gates elegantly combines reclaimed industrial materials to form a striking minimalist structure laden with a potent historical narrative. Striking and stark Black Box is a poignant example of Gates' continued engagement with issues of social responsibility and cultural identity.