JEAN TINGUELY | Relief Polychrome - Bleu, Ocre et Vert (Sprit)

Private Collection, Switzerland
Sale: Galerie Kornfeld, Bern, 20 June 2014, Lot 146
Natalie Seroussi, Paris

Stockholm, Galerie Samlaren, Jean Tinguely: Méta-mécanique, 8 - 22 October 1955
Düsseldorf, Museum Kunstpalast, Amsterdam, Stedelijk Museum, Jean Tinguely: Super Méta Maxi, Machine Spectacle, 23 April 2016 - 4 March 2017; catalogue, p. 25, no. 13, illustrated in colours

Christina Bischofberger, Jean Tinguely. Catalogue raisonné. Sculptures and Reliefs, 1954 - 1968, vol. I, Zurich, 1982, p. 53, no. 61, illustrated

The colours are fairly accurate in the printed catalogue illustration, however the illustration does not convey the 3 dimensional and moving aspect of the work. The wooden support presents some small losses, mainly located in the lower right and left corner. A nail hole is located in the lower right quadrant. The lower left quadrant presents a crack certainly inherent to the natural evolution of the wood. The blue element presents some faint wear marks mainly located along the lower edge and as visible in the catalogue illustration. A crack is located in the center of the white element together with two tiny losses. Several of the colours elements present tiny dots and traces of rust. Electric system is in working condition and the motor has been changed several years ago.
"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."

When Jean Tinguely arrived in Paris in 1953, the art world was divided into champions of abstract art and figurative art, defenders of lyricism, constructivism, of an informal emerging art and of kinetic art in its early stages. It was in that context that the young, visionary and pioneer artist decided to expand the field of possibilities by setting his works in motion. Fascinated by mechanics since childhood, Tinguely built his first mobile metallic wire sculptures in 1954. Some are manually activated through simple handles pulling wheels; and others use electric engines hidden behind the frame like Sprit – Bleu, Ocre et Vert, created in 1955 and quickly exhibited in the framework of the exhibition Jean Tinguely, "Méta-Mécaniques" organized the same year at the Samlaren gallery of Stockholm.

In this polychromatic composition, emblematic of the important researches conducted by Tinguely, seven colorful elements, kept at distance from a carefully chosen wood panel, furtively evolve in space thanks to a discreet motorized mechanism. Sprit – Bleu, Ocre et Vert undeniably evokes the work of great masters of modern abstraction while going beyond their contribution, especially by its loose and playful dimension. With this "meta-mechanical" composition, "meta" being used in the sense of "beyond", Tinguely pushed the boundaries of painting, redefining the relationship of art to the world with a unique moving painting. Because let's not forget it is a painting, as Tinguely reminded all throughout his career, constantly stating he created "paintings" and that the machine was merely a "frame".