For its next Fine Art auction, Theodore Bruce Auctioneers & Valuers has curated a selection that includes key figures in the Australian art world, and dynamic artists from the Beijing and Shanghai art scenes. Amongst the Australian artists there are a number of ink and wash drawings by Garry Shead plus his oil on canvas, Aboriginal (Lot 6049 ) estimated at $100,000-120,000 from The D H Lawrence Series.
There are 195 lots on offer, comprising oil paintings, ceramics, lithographs and photography. A small section is devoted to Chinese artists, including Liu Chun Hai (b.1966), Yin Jun (b.1974), Hou Qing (b.1969) and the Luo Brothers (b.1963, b.1964, b.1972).
Beyond the “cute” figures of Beijing artist Shen Jingdong (b.1965) – frequently in vibrant shades of red, yellow, blue and green – are elements of traditional Chinese iconography and themes of globalisation. Born in Nanjing, Jingdong spent 16 years in the army before achieving widespread acclaim with his 2008 Hero series. Reading (AKA Bookworm) (Lot 6073 ) is on offer here.
Australian artists to come under the hammer include Arthur Boyd, John Brack, Geoffrey Dyer, John Olsen, Garry Shead and Jeffrey Smart.
Shead has a number of ink and wash drawings on offer that provide a good entry point for newer collectors. Perhaps the standout work of the auction is his oil on canvas, Aboriginal (Lot 6049 ) from The D H Lawrence Series. Lawrence had penned his novel, Kangaroo, whilst living in the NSW coastal town of Thirroul in 1922. Shead was living close by when he began his series, which interweaves Lawrence’s tale with his own biographical story.
Celebrated Australian artist Jeffrey Smart is best remembered for his intriguing & atmospheric urban landscapes but having spent a large part of his life in Italy, his Italian paintings are more diverse. According to Stephen Rogers, Archivist to the Estate of Jeffrey Smart, The Blue Boat (Lot 6050 ) was likely created after Smart visited the Island of Ischia, and it shows a view of the beachside village of Sant’ Angelo.
Also on offer is Le Nautilus Yap (Lot 6008 ) by French/Japanese artist, Paul Jacoulet (1896-1960), who created striking woodblock prints that are a mixture of traditional ukiyo-e printmaking & his own bespoke techniques. A Jacoulet print can be the result of up to 60 different blocks.
Among the other international works, a highlight is a large seascape by British artist, Edward Brian Seago (1910-1974), The Mouth of the Bosphorus (Lot 6096 ). The work has changed hands only once since being exhibited at the Marlborough Gallery, London, in 1972.
