Alex Israel

Peres Projects, Berlin
Private Collection, Los Angeles

This work is in good condition overall. There are several small pinpoint losses to the left and right lateral sides, where the white stucco underneath is visible through the pigment. There is a small loss along the bottom edge, approximately 15 inches from the right edge. Unframed.
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.

"Right after I finished graduate school, I had this idea about making portraits of people in Los Angeles and using the talk show as a format to do that. I started designing the talk show set, and as the background of the set, I wanted a giant L.A. twilight sky. I did some research and found out that there were just a few places in L.A. that painted backdrops, so I met with the scenic-art department here at Warner Bros. The painter I met was Andrew Pike, who had just painted the backdrop for Conan O'Brien. I thought, "Oh, wow, this is perfect! This is someone who actually paints backdrops for talk shows." He agreed to paint the backdrop for me, and that's how the relationship began." Alex Israel