Lot 36
  • 36

Mario Schifano

Estimate
25,000 - 35,000 USD
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Description

  • Mario Schifano
  • Oasis 
  • signed and titled Schifano; inscribed Schifano, Massimo, Oasi
  • enamel and spray-paint on canvas 
  • 118 by 96cm.; 46 1/2 by 37 3/4in.
  • Executed in 1978.

Provenance

Private Collection, Italy
Acquired directly from the above by the present owner in 2014 

Condition

Condition: This work is in good condition. There is minor rubbing marks alongside the outer edges and on top centre edge. There is a minor spot of satin on lower left edge and on the bottom right. There are stapler marks throughout which was done by the artist as part of the work. There is a tiny spot of surface imperfection which was painted over by the artist. The stretcher marks are only visible upon close inspection. There is no restoration apparent when viewed under the UV light. Colour: The catalogue illustration is very accurate.
"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

In 1966 and throughout the following three years, Schifano’s palm tree and the starry sky turn into iconographic elements that the artist depicts almost obsessively; elements that become a thematic phase in his artistic production. These elements are achieved through implementing the cut-outs and spray paint. Rooted in the memories of the artist's childhood spent in Libya, these images appear as fragments that are out of context, exotic icons trivialised into advertising panels, revisited and reinterpreted through an expressive and intense pictorial rendition. These can in truth be viewed as archetypes of memory in technicolor.