Auction: December 10 at 10 AM CT

Our curators picked their favorite items from our upcoming December 10 Modern & Contemporary Art Signature® Auction.
| Frank's Pick Frank Hettig | Vice President, Modern & Contemporary Art
Andy Warhol Mao, 1973
For Andy Warhol, the iconic Mao series marked a significant return to painting and became his most desirable body of work after pioneering early-to-mid-60s silkscreens. This example is one of the best: bold shades of deep burgundy, navy blue, and orange yellow. The history is unique: Jed Johnson, who met Warhol in 1968, started as a janitor in Warhol's Factory. After that, he rose to stardom as an actor in Warhol's films and later as a prominent interior designer, until he tragically passed away in 1996 in the TWA Flight 800 crash. The combination of this work's striking aesthetic and remarkable history makes it my curator's choice.
| Holly's Picks Holly Sherratt | Director, Modern & Contemporary Art
Emmi Whitehorse Blue Forrest, 1986
Emmi Whitehorse (b. 1957), a renowned Navajo artist from Crownpoint, New Mexico, is celebrated for her meditative abstract works rooted in the philosophy of Hózhó, which emphasizes harmony, beauty, and balance. Her layered compositions capture the subtleties of nature, reflecting a profound connection to the land and her cultural heritage. Blue Forrest (1986), an oil-on-canvas painting, exemplifies Whitehorse's early mastery, featuring delicate, leaf-like forms set against a richly layered blue and gold background that evokes the tranquility of a forest. Whitehorse's market presence has surged, with recent auction records surpassing six figures. The upcoming auction of Blue Forrest presents a rare opportunity to acquire a significant work by one of the most influential contemporary Native American artists.
Hans Hofmann Blue in Blue, 1954
Hans Hofmann, a pivotal figure in Abstract Expressionism, was both a trailblazing artist and an influential teacher until 1956, when he closed the Hans Hofmann School of Fine Arts to focus entirely on painting. Renowned for his "push and pull" technique, Hofmann explored the dynamic interaction of color and space, a hallmark of his work. Blue in Blue (1954) exemplifies his mastery, with layered shades of blue contrasted by bold shapes and hues that create depth, movement, and visual tension. His use of expressive brushstrokes and vivid color blocks evolved into geometric abstraction, often featuring stacked rectangles or organic shapes. Hofmann's legacy endures not only through his groundbreaking art but also in the generations of artists he inspired.
| Desiree's Picks Desiree Pakravan | Consignment Director, Modern & Contemporary Art
George Rodrigue She's Got a Ring Around My Neck, 1998
George Rodrigue I'll Come Again, 1991
I absolutely love Rodrigue's Blue Dog paintings and feel like they are so whimsical! They blend whimsy, mystery, and cultural identity. Inspired by a Cajun legend of a spectral dog called the loup-garou, Rodrigue first introduced the Blue Dog in 1984. The iconic figure, with its piercing yellow eyes and vibrant blue fur, quickly became his artistic signature. Initially rooted in Cajun folklore, the Blue Dog evolved into a universal symbol, reflecting themes of human emotion, pop culture, and modern life. Rodrigue's playful yet poignant use of bold colors and simple, striking compositions made the Blue Dog an enduring and beloved icon in contemporary art.
Ed Paschke Don Anderson, 1973
Ed Paschke's painting Don Anderson exemplifies his distinctive fusion of realism and vibrant, surreal elements. Measuring 36 by 16 inches, this oil on canvas portrays Don Anderson, a prominent figure in Chicago's advertising scene, known for his contributions to the "Chicago School of Advertising." Paschke's use of electric, neon colors and abstract textures reflects his fascination with media influence and identity, themes central to his work. The painting stands as a testament to Paschke's ability to intertwine personal portraiture with broader cultural commentary, capturing the complex interplay between individual identity and media representation.
| Becky's Pick Becky Lax | Consignment Director - Prints & Multiples
Léonard Tsuguharu Foujita Bouquet de roses dans un vase blanc et bleu, 1956
A stunning oil on canvas by Léonard Tsuguharu Foujita (1886-1968), titled Bouquet de Roses dans un Vase Blanc et Bleu, 1956, painted in Paris. This still life depicts a bouquet of flowers arranged in a blue glazed vase typical of Parisian style, closely resembling another smaller piece from the same year that sold for $514,357 (with BP) at auction on June 28, 2022. In this composition, the floral arrangement is more abundant, with cut roses extending to fill the entire white space. Subtle shadows on the wall behind the vase further enhance the depth of the piece. Foujita's delicate rendering of the rose petals, buds, stems, and leaves exemplifies his refined technique, influenced by his 'Eastern' aesthetic. The painting was created during Foujita's return to Paris in the post-WWII era, a time when his interest in fresco techniques is evident in the light washes and white ground effect that characterize the work. The authenticity of this painting has been confirmed by Sylvie and Casimir Buisson of ACRB (Art Cataloguing Research Buisson), Paris, and is accompanied by their certificate of authenticity, dated August 30, 2024. This piece will also be included in the forthcoming volume V of the Léonard Tsuguharu Foujita catalogue raisonné, currently in preparation.
| Taylor's Picks Taylor Curry | Director, Modern & Contemporary Art
Arnaldo Pomodoro Continuum 4, 2010
This bronze relief by the renowned Italian sculptor Arnaldo Pomodoro is a masterful example of his ability to blend geometry with tactile abstraction. What I find most striking about this work is its dynamic interplay between the precise circular centerpiece and the intricate, almost architectural details that surround it. Pomodoro's signature exploration of form and material is on full display here, making this piece both timeless and innovative. Pomodoro's works are celebrated for their ability to evoke a sense of movement and transformation, and this piece is no exception.
Alex Grey Reading, 2001
This stunning work by Alex Grey is a profound meditation on connection, knowledge, and the transcendent. What I find most compelling is Grey's ability to merge the physical and spiritual realms in his depiction of a figure and child reading together. Their anatomical forms, illuminated with radiant energy, are interwoven with spiraling DNA-like forms, symbolizing the transmission of wisdom and the deeper bonds of human connection. The vibrant palette, intricate detail, and ethereal glow of this piece bring to life Grey's signature exploration of consciousness and spirituality.
Sincerely,
|  | Frank Hettig Vice President, Modern & Contemporary Art FrankH@HA.com (214) 409-1157
|  | Holly Sherratt Director, Modern & Contemporary Art HollyS@HA.com (415) 548-5921
|  | Desiree Pakravan Consignment Director, Modern & Contemporary Art DesireeP@HA.com (310) 492-8621
|  | Becky Lax Consignment Director - Prints & Multiples BeckyL@HA.com (212) 486-3736
|  | Taylor Curry Director, Modern & Contemporary Art TaylorC@HA.com (212) 486-3503