Phillips’ Day Sales of 20th Century & Contemporary Art Poised to be Among the Most Successful in Company

Underscoring the Strength of the Middle Market, Auction to be Led by Wayne Thiebaud, David Hammons, Cecily Brown, Keith Haring, and Albert Oehlen

Sale to Feature Strong Examples by Emerging Artists, Including Multiple Auction Debuts

Phillips has announced highlights and the full web catalogue from their upcoming 20th Century & Contemporary Art Day Sales taking place on 16 May at 432 Park Avenue, New York. Maintaining a firm hold on the growing middle market, the Morning and Afternoon Sessions feature a wide range of blue-chip and fresh-to-market artists. Amongst important post-war names, such as Wayne Thiebaud, Joan Mitchell, and Keith Haring, are many exciting works from artists hitting their stride. The sale preview will commence on 6 May and will be on view through 15 May with the works available to view online for the Morning Session here and the Afternoon Session here. The full press release can be read here.

Annie Dolan and Patrizia Koenig, Co-Heads of the New York Day Sales of 20th Century & Contemporary Art, said, “We are pleased to present one of Phillips’ largest Day Sales of 20th Century & Contemporary Art to date, encapsulating some of the strongest material we have had the privilege of offering. The breadth and caliber of the works in this auction underscore the strength of the middle market and Phillips’ commitment to this important sector. In assembling these sales, we have made it a priority to champion historically underrepresented artists and are proud that the sale features such an inclusive selection of women, LGBTQ+, and artists of color, including Lois Dodd, Sylvia Snowden, Denyse Thomasos, Jenna Gribbon, Asuka Anastacia Ogawa, and many others. As collectors are increasingly seeking out works that authentically represent their lived experiences, the market has evolved to meet this demand and we are all the better for it.”

Morning Session

The Morning Session is led by Wayne Thiebaud’s Sliced Circle from 1972. Rendered in his signature style, a deep red velvet cake painted in thick and gestural brushstrokes creates a tactile, hyper-realistic effect reminiscent of frosting. Emblematic of the artist’s renowned painterly practice and chosen motifs, Sliced Circle is a masterpiece within Thiebaud’s body of work. A celebration of texture, light, shadow and perspective, the present work explores the formal qualities of painting. This work comes to auction on the heels of the artist’s celebrated exhibition at the Fondation Beyeler, Basel, this year.

Afternoon Session

A testament to Phillips’ reputation as the auction house for cutting-edge contemporary art, the Afternoon Session includes auction debutsby Mario Ayala, Jill Mulleady, Theresa Chromati, Sarah Cunningham, Henni Alftan, and Jess Valice. Starting with Matthew Wong’s First Snow, 2018, the sale also includes works by highly sought-after artists Ambera Wellman, Karyn Lyons, Asuka Anastacia Ogawa, Raghav Babbar, Caroline Walker, Kyle Dunn, Shannon Cartier Lucy, Jadé Fadojutimi, and Emma Webster.

Phillips

Phillips is the destination for international collectors to buy and sell the world’s most important twentieth-century and contemporary works of art, design, jewels, watches, photographs and editions. By focusing specifically on the defining aesthetic movements of the last century, we have set ourselves apart as the most dynamic and forward-thinking auction house in the world. Our global presence, seasoned expertise and individualized client service lead collectors to seek our guidance on market trends and insights. The Phillips team is comprised of specialists from auction houses, museums, galleries and other leading arts institutions. In addition to conducting auctions in our New York, London, Hong Kong and Geneva salerooms, we hold private sales and curated selling exhibitions around the world. Outside of the opportunities we provide to consign or buy through auctions and private sales, we consult with museums, advise private estates and corporate clients and offer appraisals, valuations and other financial services.