KAWS | Untitled

Private Collection, Miami
Private Collection, New York
Sotheby's, New York, 29 September 2016, Lot 221
Private Collection
Acquired from the above by the present owner

This work is in very good condition overall. Upon very close inspection, there are scattered very faint scratches visible. Along the bottom perimeter, there are a few unobtrusive scuff marks visible under very close inspection. Unframed.
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.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.

"At the end of the day, I love painting. There’s really not many things that beat just being in the studio, working, but the product also has its benefits in the way that I can exist in all these different houses." KAWS Born into a collecting family with an illustrious presence in the arts, Ryan Brant was raised in an environment of creativity and aesthetic stimulation. The Collection of Ryan Brant, carefully assembled, provides perspective for collectors to experience the cutting-edge aesthetic environment in which he lived.

Ryan’s influence on the present generation’s adaptability to technological innovations and interactive aesthetics is unsurpassed and speaks volumes to Ryan’s understanding of the contemporary visual experience. Ever a forward thinker, Ryan founded Take-Two Interactive, a powerhouse in the video-game industry, which transformed the perception of gaming in the 1990s and continues to be a leader in the industry today. Take-Two Interactive, and its subsequent acquisitions, developed some of the world’s most recognized and influential video games such as the Grand Theft Auto empire, and more recently, Red Dead Redemption.

The nascent years of Ryan’s collecting ran parallel with his budding career. Ahead of the curve, Ryan sought out works by pioneers of contemporary photography, such as Andreas Gursky and Thomas Ruff, amongst others. When Ryan left the company in 2007 his tastes were clearly sculpted through the eyes of a video-game designer with a knack for colorful character-driven compositions and post-pop imagery. Keeping up with a changing market, Ryan’s focus shifted as he began collecting a variety of artists and designers in depth. An early collector and advocate for KAWS and avant-garde designers, Ryan developed a collection that is not only highly graphic and colorful, but also one that reflects the depth and knowledge of the contemporary landscape. His discerning eye for quality and thoughtful approach led him to bring together works that are in constant conversation with one another. An arrangement of Sottsass ceramics placed near a Campana Brothers sofa and a wall of KAWS paintings installed facing a Pesce cabinet all create a vibrant atmosphere that offers a glimpse into the way Ryan viewed the world, and his dual passions for art and gaming.

Ryan Brant’s collection may be understood as an expression of how he formed his identity as a collector, a visionary, and an entrepreneur. Encompassing some of the most innovative and celebrated artists and designers of the twentieth century, including KAWS, Peter Doig, Francesco Clemente, the Campana Brothers, Ettore Sottsass, and Wendell Castle, Game On: The Collection of Ryan Brant highlights his immense creativity and whimsy. The collection, being offered in New York and Hong Kong, is a tribute to the imaginative man who brought these works together.