VASSILAKIS TAKIS | Mur Magnétique

Acquired directly from the artist by the present owner

The colours in the printed catalogue illustration are fairly accurate although it does not properly convey the 3D aspect of the work.The work is in very good condition. All elements are stable. Close inspection reveals tiny nicks with associated losses to the extreme left, lower edge and most notably to the lower right and left corners. Further very close inspection reveals light rubbings to the lower left corner and toward the centre of the left edge et 2 tiny spot of paint loss toward the left side of the upper edge. There are some abrasion with associated losses to the magnets which are in keeping with the artist choice of medium. There is a paint loss to the right magnet toward the left screw. Further very close inspection reveals a light crease to the paper suspended on the panel. No restoration is apparent when examined under UV light.
"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. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

To obtain or heighten certain effects, painters were wont to attach objects to their canvases or wood panels. This was as true of the Dadaists as of Byzantine ikon masters. Takis has pointed out that his preoccupation with the possibilities of electromagnetism opened the way to a new approach: objects can be held in suspension at a small distance off the canvas by an extraneous force. To put it differently: in lieu of including objects which project from the surface, Takis, by an artful exploitation of magnetic attraction, introduces floating objects which become part of our vision of the pictorial space. Moreover, with judicious lighting, the slight objects, cones, antennas, disks, cork balls, suspended at an angle from a surface, cast intricate shadows on the painted panels, endowing the work with a new interpretation of the third dimension in pictorial terms.

This work is accompanied by a certificate of authenticity signed by the artist. It is registered in the Archives of the Takis Foundation under number MW142.