What happened to Ed Ruscha?

I have always admired Ruscha's scintillating usage of words in his paintings.
But, his latest show at Gagosian in Chelsea was a conundrum. It seemed like a desperate attempt to remain relevant. The gallery space couldn't have been better designed for the pieces in the show, but the problem was the work on view. What were you thinking, Mr. Ruscha?

Gagosian Gallery
555 W. 24th St.
http://www.gagosian.com
Ed Ruscha will be on view through January 12, 2013.

Pace Gallery hits the mark with Michal Rovner show

Yesterday, on a windy and cold Saturday afternoon, I checked out the latest shows in Chelsea. The exhibition that I kept thinking about once I returned home was Michal Rovner: Topography at Pace's new gallery space at 508 W. 25th St. It was refreshing to view a show that was current, compelling and worth a second look. I loved the kinetic images of figures, cypress trees and desolate landscapes projected onto slabs of black limestone. Go see it!


Michal Rovner: Topography will be on view through December 22, 2012.
http://www.pacegallery.com

Franz Kline painting sells for over $40 million

Kline's Untitled (1957) sold for $40,402,500 at Christie's last night in New York (see previous two posts). The painting isn't close to being Kline's best work. So foolish to spend $40mil on that piece!

NY Contemporary Auction Viewing Update

Don't waste your time going to Bonham's unless you feel that you must view the Soulages painting (see previous post).

I had higher expecations at Christie's, but I was quite disappointed with the works on view. The contemporary auction was spotty in quality. The two big Klines weren't his best work. The Still and Rothko were overpriced. I thought that the best piece was a small Jasper Johns from Doug Cramer's collection. The Kelly, Ryman and Diebenkorn paintings were important, but not brilliant. Gallery 7 featured smaller works from the Cramer collection and should not be missed. I found two objects sublimely captivating and neither one was in the contemporary auction. A stunning Fang sculpture near the entrance to Gallery 7 and a sensational yellow diamond on display across from the elevator on the ground floor were worth the visit to Christie's. Celeb sightings this afternoon included Ralph and Ricky Lauren and Peter Brant.

Up next will be visits to Sotheby's and Phillips de Pury.

Soulages at Bonhams & Kline at Christie's

The November contemporary art auctions in New York are almost here.

I can't wait to see Peinture 116x89cm, 22 mai 1958 by Pierre Soulages at Bonhams this weekend. Estimate is $500,000-$700,000. It'll be a featured work in the November 12th auction. Viewing will begin on Friday, November 9th.
http://www.bonhams.com


Also on view this weekend will be works from Doug Cramer's superb collection and Masterworks of Abstract Expressionism at Christie's. Franz Kline's Untitled, which he painted in 1957, has received considerable coverage in the media. Estimate is $20 million-$30 million. Even though I don't think that it's his best work, I have a passion for Kline's paintings and can't wait to see it. Viewing will begin on Saturday, November 10th.
http://www.christies.com