Billy Al Bengston (b. 1934)

lacquer and polyester resin on aluminum; impressed with the artist's initials, signed with the artist's initials, numbered '12/20' and dated '1969' 

Artist Studio, Los Angeles
Acquired from the above by the present owner 'circa' 1985

This work is in very good condition overall. There is a light surface layer of dust throughout, visible upon close inspection. There are irregularities to the shape of the aluminum, inherent to the artist's working method and intent. There are very fine, linear surface scratches to the yellow pigment, visible upon close inspection under raking light. There are minor pigment losses to the grey edges, primarily to the lower right corner. There is a black pinpoint accretion to the lower right corner, visible upon close inspection. Unframed.
The lot is sold in the condition it is in at the time of sale. The condition report is provided to assist you with assessing the condition of the lot and is for guidance only. Any reference to condition in the condition report for the lot does not amount to a full description of condition. The images of the lot form part of the condition report for the lot provided by Sotheby's. Certain images of the lot provided online may not accurately reflect the actual condition of the lot. In particular, the online images may represent colours and shades which are different to the lot's actual colour and shades. The condition report for the lot may make reference to particular imperfections of the lot but you should note that the lot may have other faults not expressly referred to in the condition report for the lot or shown in the online images of the lot. The condition report may not refer to all faults, restoration, alteration or adaptation because Sotheby's is not a professional conservator or restorer but rather the condition report is a statement of opinion genuinely held by Sotheby's. For that reason, Sotheby's condition report is not an alternative to taking your own professional advice regarding the condition of the lot.

Although he studied at the Los Angeles City College, the California College of Arts & Crafts and Otis Art Institute, Billy Al Bengston was shaped by the widespread and prolific group of Los Angeles artists with whom he surrounded himself-- including Peter Voulkos, Edward Kienholz, Ken Price and Richard Diebenkorn.  Bengston transformed his studio, which he referred to as The Artist Studio, into an exhibition space to showcase his peers' work alongside his own and sell pieces directly.  The monochromatic palette and chevron symbols present in 'The Alamo - Yellow' were developed in the 1960s, but Bengston continues to explore these themes in his current work.