Lot 38
  • 38

Vincent Michéa

Estimate
5,000 - 7,000 GBP
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Description

  • Vincent Michéa
  • Nº66
  • signed and dated 2004 (lower right)
  • acrylic on canvas
  • 129.5 by 129.5 cm., 51 by 51in.
  • Painted in 2004

Provenance

Acquired directly from the artist by the present owner

Exhibited

London, Saatchi Gallery, Pangaea II: New Art from Africa and Latin America, 2015

Condition

The canvas is stretched but unframed. The canvas is unlined. There is one surface mark to the left hand side of the lower framing edge measuring the width of the white margin, as is visible in the catalogue illustration. Examination under ultra violet light reveals no signs of retouching or repair. Overall, the works appear to be in good original condition.
"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

Nº66 is an illustrated version of an album cover by Orchestre Cobantou, which dates back to 1970. The People’s Republic of the Congo had just been formed as a ‘self-declared Marxist-Leninist socialist state’ two years after the 1968 coup in which Captain Marien Mgouabi assumed presidency from President Massamba-Debat.

Despite all the ongoing political events, the Republic of Congo was blossoming with ‘a new stream of pop music, energetic guitars, and honey-toned vocals’. It was this spirit represented on the album cover of Orchestre Cobantou that Vincent Michea recreates.

In Nº66, a man in a blue suit plays a guitar outside the political building, while sitting on a red car. He is aware of the ongoing political events but nevertheless, finds a moment to indulge in the musical vibrancy of the city.