Is contemporary art your thing? Melbourne online auction provides good choices

Thinking about starting a modern and contemporary art collection? Then have a look at Deutscher and Hackett’s online auction, which ends from 7pm Wednesday February 15, at which 36 art works – many by well-known Australian artists and all carrying affordable catalogue estimates – will go under the hammer.

Legendary street artist Banksy holds the top billing with Gangsta Rat 2004 (lot 25) carrying a catalogue estimate of $40,000-$60,000.

It is followed by Fred Williams (1927-1982) You Yangs c1962 (lot 6) at $35,000-$45,000 with James Gleeson’s (1915-2008) An Event in the Islands 1996 (lot 15) not far behind at $25,000-$35,000.

There are a several worthwhile lots around the $20,000-$30,000 estimate mark including Cressida Campbell’s Mixed Bunch 1984 (lot 19) and Robert Juniper’s (1929-2012) Three Islands Broome 1997 (lot 8).

Juniper also has Kangaroos and Kimberley Ant Hills 1994-95 (lot 7) while well-known artist Ray Crooke (1922-2015) pops up with Tahitian Children 1973 (lot 10) and Islanders Walking (lot 9).

Another favourite is Sali Herman (1898-1993) with Paddington Street Scene (lot 13) at an $18,000-$25,000 estimate – while Garry Shead’s Nocturnal Dance 2009 (lot 21) is a great investment at $20,000-$25,000.

John Olsen is represented with Mice and Trap (lot 20) and Donald Friend (1915-1989) has a couple of very affordable works including Still Life with a Paddington Skyline (lot 11) and Riders of the Chariot (Study for Sculpture of Street Coffins) c1964 (lot 12), each estimated at $8000-$12,000.

Other notable artist works include Ivan Durrant’s Frank Sinatra 1974 (lot 23) and The Winner 1973 (lot 24) – along with William Dobell’s (1899-1970)  at Lake Macquarie, Wangi Wangi, NSW (lot 3) and Lloyd Rees’s (1899-1988) Gerringong Headland 1977 (lot 4).

 

Viewing: 105 Commercial Road, South Yarra VIC

               36 Gosbell Street, Paddington NSW

 

11am-5.30pm Thursday and Friday February 9 and 10

                        Monday to Wednesday February 13 to 15