Highlights from Scandinavia's leading auction for contemporary art and design
On October 25th, Scandinavia's leading auction for contemporary art and design was hammered at Bukowskis in Stockholm.
The live auction included works by international artists such as Jim Nutt, Ellen von Unwerth, and Swedish artists like Jockum Nordström, Karin Broos, Lena Cronqvist, and Ola Billgren. The design department presented objects from well-known international designers like Mario Bellini, Swedish postmodernists like Mats Theselius, and influential contemporary artists like Eva Hild.
Jim Nutt – the auction star lot
The highly anticipated work "Huge" by Jim Nutt became the auction’s most expensive work, striking an impressive 8.1 million SEK after intense bidding. The auction also presented renowned international artists such as Tania Marmolejo, Per Kirkeby, Tal R, and Willem de Kooning.
Swedish highlights included artworks like "La Scala" and "The Band Stand" by Jockum Nordström, "Den röda soffan 2" by Karin Broos, "Myrliljor I" and "Mohikanen (Linus)" by Lena Cronqvist, "Kvinnofigur i landskap" by Ola Billgren, and Carl Fredrik Reuterswärd's iconic peace symbol, "Non-Violence."
Other names worth mentioning are Charlotte Gyllenhammar, Torsten Andersson, Paul Fägerskiöld, and Jens Fänge, all of whom achieved high final prices for their works.
The photography department included a wide range of works from international names such as Terry O’Neill, Albert Watson, and Nick Brandt. The most expensive piece was Ellen von Unwerth's photograph "Supernatural Lady" from 1991, which sold for a final price of 338 000 SEK.
Among the Swedish photographers, Denise Grünstein, who has currently gained significant attention, stood out with high final prices. Her piece "Red Cardinal" sold for a final price of 175 500 SEK. Several works by Hans Gedda, Charlotte Gyllenhammar, and Cooper & Gorfer also reached high final prices.
The auction's print department included internationally renowned artists such as Banksy, Roy Lichtenstein, Lucio Fontana, and Cy Twombly. The most expensive piece in the department was Andy Warhol's "Marilyn Monroe (Marilyn)," which sold for a final price of 831 000 SEK. Among the Swedish artists, Sten Eklund exceeded expectations with the sale of "Kullahusets hemlighet," which fetched more than double its estimated price.
The design department presented objects from some of the most influential designers of the 1960s, 70s, and 80s, including tables and lamps by Ettore Sottsass, a sculptural armchair by Gaetano Pesce, a dining set by Verner Panton, and two iconic sofas by Ubald Klug and Mario Bellini.
The catalogue also included design collectibles from Swedish post-modernist designers such as Jonas Bohlin and Mats Theselius, which reached high final prices. An exciting lineup of young designers contributing to a new wave of studio design were also presented, including Erik Brattsberg, Fredrik Paulsen, Hanna Hansdotter, Jenny Nordberg, and Eva Hild. Hild achieved the highest final price with her sculpture "Interlace," which was sold for 403 000 SEK.
The lamp "Suburban Skyline" by Folkform exceeded its estimated price, as did a table by Erling Viksjø, which set a new record for the designer with an impressive final price of 81 250 SEK.
Scandinavia’s only recurring Fine Art auction for contemporary art and design continues to cement its leading position with increasing international interest.