David Hammons

Estimate

20,000 - 30,000 USD

bidding is closed

Description

David Hammons
Untitled (Black Pillow Case)
signed and dated 06 on the reverse
water, juice, ash, saliva on cotton-polyester blend pillow case, in artist's frame
16 1/8 by 31 in.
41 by 78.7 cm.
In accordance with the artist's instructions, this work is variously titled and inscribed on the reverse by friends and associates of the artist.

Provenance

Acquired directly from the artist by the present owner

Condition

This work is in very good condition overall. All accretions on the sheet are inherent to the work. There is an 1/8 inch puncture to the sheet located 8 ¼ inches from the right and 4 ¼ inches from the bottom and a pin-hole sized puncture 4 inches from the right and 5 inches from the top, presumably also inherent to the work. Framed in the artist's wood frame.
In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective qualified opinion.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.

Catalogue Note

In the summer of 2006 Dave Hammons made a customary call to his old friend Steve Cannon, an arts activist in New York's Lower East Side, at his gallery A Gathering of the Tribes. During a long conversation between the two which trailed off into the night, Hammons found himself staring at Steve's pillow. He reached for it, murmured "This looks like a constellation," and purloined it. Six months later, Hammons returned the pillow, skinned and stretched and framed, transformed into Untitled (Black Pillow Case).

Still, the artist decided Untitled (Black Pillow Case) would not be finished until more people had participated in its creation. He urged the many artists, writers and friends who found their way in and out of the gallery (including Sarah Ferguson, David Henderson, Ray Kelly, John Ahearn and Michael Carter) to spend some time with the piece and inscribe their own titles on it. Thus, Untitled (Black Pillow Case) completed its transformation from pillowcase to finalized work of art: creator, Dave Hammons.