The spring photo auctions descend on NYC next week. I've pored through the catalogs and picked my top contemporary (post 1970) lots. I do the work so you don't have to!
Sotheby's
Sotheby's has a decidedly non-contemporary sale: only 10 or 20% of the lots were created after 1970 and from those pieces there are only two worth considering:
Joe Sternfeld's Mclean, Virginia Estimated at $12-$18K, this is one of Sternfeld's iconic images and the estimate is in line with Sternfelds retail prices. There's another example for sale at Christie's here estimated at $20-$30K.
Peter Beard's Maureen Gallagher... Estimate $70-$100K. This piece sold last year for just under $100K so I expect a final price in excess of the high estimate.
Christie's
Christie's is having an evening sale this year - okay its at 5pm so lets call it a late afternoon sale - which features the cream of their crop. There's lots to like (and not all in the evening sale):
William Eggleston's Morton Mississippi estimated at $40-$60K. Christie's has several very good Egglestons for sale. This one is probably the best. The price may reach $100K.
Richard Misrach's Hale-Bopp... estimated at $18-$22K - Misrach's sky pictures are among his most conceptually compelling. It will be interesting to see if the estimate holds up though.
Nic Nicosia's Real Pictures #11 estimated at $2-$3K. Not a famous photographer, but arguably his most famous picture.
Thomas Joshua Cooper's Border Crossings estimated at $1500-$2K for two prints...yeah right. If these sell for a penny less than $5K I'll be surprised.
John Coplans' Self Portrait estimated at $18-$22K. Easily the best of his "Body" series. Plus, its a photo of a man's hairy back. Who doesn't love that?
Carrie Mae Weems From Here... estimated at $4-$6K. A beautiful, complex and politically pointed image from one of the most underrated artists working today.
Stan Douglas' Michigan Theater Balcony estimated at $1500-$2K. Please see Thomas Joshua Cooper, above.
Rosemary Laing Flight Research #5 estimated at $4-$6K. Who knows where her career will wind up, this is still a supa-fly image.
Phillip's
William Eggleston's Near Minter City.. estimated at $20-$30K. Not a vintage print but it will still sell for at least $40K.
Andreas Gursky's Syring estimated at $8-$12K. Not mega-sized but still an "A" image and one of my favorite Gursky's.
Candida Hofer's Museum für Angewandte... estimated at $4-$6K. Although I can't necessarily describe what makes a Hofer "right", this is one of those "right" ones.
Vanessa Beecroft's VB42 estimated at $20-$30K. Someone puuuhhhleeeese buy this for me.
Philip-Lorca Dicorcia's Brian estimated at $25-$35K. one of the great images by one of the great photographers of our time.
If you have a picture to add, leave a comment and I'll add it.
I'll post an update on my picks after the auctions end.
Great Post, Erik. I'm looking forward to the April buy of the month! :)
Posted by: Steve Roach | April 20, 2006 at 08:52 AM
Hey!
You forgot my auction which features much more accessible material with conservative estimates and reserves. Take a look!
www.iGavel.com
Thanks,
Dan
Posted by: Daniel Cooney | April 22, 2006 at 03:55 PM
Hey Those were all great picks!
Plus You were 100% correct..
At Christies yesterday.. TJ Cooper, Stan Douglas, and the Rosemary Laing lots all blew clear through those lame-ass pre-sale est's!
But sorry Eric!! At Phillips.. there's no way the Chelsea-Boyz let that VB42 sailor shot leave NYC! LOL!
Posted by: Mike | April 26, 2006 at 03:48 PM
Were you that "internet bidder" that got the Gursky @ Philips for I think it was $6500! Well below the low estimate! That was a nice deal.
Posted by: Billbob | April 26, 2006 at 05:22 PM