Prints auctions more popular than ever

Leonard Joel’s Prints and Multiples auctions have become increasingly popular as auction goers realise they present the perfect opportunity to pick up a work by a prominent Australian artist for an affordable price.

This forthcoming auction – from 6.30pm on Wednesday November 14 at the company’s converted warehouse venue of 200A Argyle Street, Fitzroy – is no exception.

Charles Blackman (1928-2018) is a leading contender in the sale with many of his works on offer including lot 591, a screen print 66/75  entitled Fallen Schoolgirl 1975 and screen print 68/75 called Always Teatime (lot 516).

John Coburn’s (19825-2006) screen print 51/99 called Sun and Sydney Opera House (lot 508) is typical of the striking abstract works celebrating the colour and shapes of Australian landscapes for which he was famous.

This style developed in the 1970s after he spent time in Paris and New York exposed to such internationally famous artists as Picasso and Matisse.

Coburn’s resultant distinctly Australian abstract visual language synthesised Western European culture, the Roman Catholic religion, Aboriginal spirituality and nature, according to Leonard Joel’s art assistant  Ella Perrottet writing in the November 2018 issue of its magazine Leonard.

“Throughout his career, Coburn’s style remained remarkably consistent,” she said. “He believed there was nothing worse than an artist who continually changed styles.”

Other artists of note include Mark Schaller with his etching a/p entitled Orange Tempest 2007 (lot 509) particularly enticing.

Jeffrey Smart’s The Directors 1976/77, an aquatint etching 50/90, is intriguing, while George Baldessin’s Personage and Windows II 1972 etching 25 is worth a second look.

One of Australia’s favourite artists Arthur Boyd (1920-1999) is represented from the portfolio Tomorrows Ghost 1971, illustrations to Peter Stokes poems from Circle Press publications of that same year and accompanied by the original folio box and title sheet (lot 520).  

The colourful David Larwell (1956-2011) BAT etching Hot Head 2005 (lot 528) should attract plenty of attention, while Ray Crooke’s screen print 70/70 entitled The Fijian is typical of his genre.

And let’s not forget all Australian great modern artist Fred Williams (1927-1982) – represented here among others by etching 22/45 called You Yangs (lot 570).