Christopher Williams (American, b. 1956) Togo (Blauschka Model 439, 1894. Genus no. 5081. Family, Sterculiaceae. Colla acuminata [Beauv

Description:

Christopher Williams (American, b. 1956)

Togo (Blauschka Model 439, 1894. Genus no. 5081. Family, Sterculiaceae. Colla acuminata [Beauv.] Schott and Endl. Cola Nut, Goora Nut, 1989, from the series Angola to Vietnam*, in an edition of 5. Titled, dated, numbered, and signed "...5/5 Williams" in pencil on the verso along bottom edge, identified on a label from Luhring Augustine, New York, affixed to the backing. Gelatin silver print on Agfa paper, image size 13 1/4 x 10 in. (33.5 x 25.2 cm),framed.
Condition: Good.

Provenance: Estate of Richard E. Anderson, New York, New York/Redding, Connecticut.

N.B. Christopher Williams is a conceptual artist and fine art photographer whose work investigates the medium of photography, as well as the institutional world of archives and museums as demonstrated by his portfolio Angola to Vietnam*. The photographs in the series capture flower replicas from the Harvard Botanical Museum's Ware Collection of Blaschka Glass Models, made between 1887 and 1936. As stated by the Museum of Modern Art, New York, where Williams's work was the subject of a major retrospective in 2014, "by choosing to photograph glass flower models from countries where political disappearances were recorded in 1985, Williams reclassifies them by country of origin rather than by the museum's system. Over the institution's botanical classification, based on science, the artist proposes another, based on politics, underlining the biased nature of any classification system" (https://www.moma.org/interactives/exhibitions/1999/muse/artist_pages/williams_vietnam.html)

Estimate $6,000-8,000

Sheet measures 14 x 11 in. (35.6 x 28.0 cm) and is hinged with linen tape at upper corners and l.c. Framed with glass. No additional issues to report.


The absence of a condition statement does not imply that the lot is in perfect condition or completely free from wear and tear, imperfections or the effects of aging. Condition requests can be obtained via email (lot inquiry button) or by telephone to the appropriate gallery location (Boston/617.350.5400 or Marlborough/508.970.3000). Any condition statement given, as a courtesy to a client, is only an opinion and should not be treated as a statement of fact. Skinner Inc. shall have no responsibility for any error or omission.

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