Pablo Picasso, Visage de Marie-Thérèse, 1928. Evening & Day Editions London.
Call it an autumnal hat trick, call it the Trio to summer’s Minuet, but this September in London it’s an Editions triple-header. The team has emerged from far-flung summer locales with tanned skin and well-rested eyes to bring their signature panache to their picks from all three sales — David Hockney, Evening & Day Editions, and ‘An Eye for Editions, From Rembrandt to Mehretu — The Frans Oomen Collection: Online Auction.’ Through their conversations and confrontations with the works, you’re sure to find something that helps make it all make a little more sense.
Andy meets the People’s Champion
Andy Warhol, Muhammad Ali, 1978. Evening & Day Editions.
Anne Schneider-Wilson, Senior International Specialist
“Strike a pose, now!”
FLASH! goes Warhol’s trusty Polaroid as Muhammad Ali jabs, throws a hook and finishes with a sharp uppercut.
“Hey Andy, why have you got me fighting like this, man? You know there’s more to me than just my fists.”
Warhol lowers the camera.
“Muhammad, why did you think you were chosen? Anyone can strike a pose for me, but you — you are complex, you have your many sides that I intend to show. You’re more than just an athlete. After all, sports stars of today are the movie stars of yesterday.”
It’s okay little Nara girl
Yoshitomo Nara, Broken Treasures, 2012. Evening & Day Editions.
Georgie Byworth-Morgan, Associate Cataloguer
The snapped stem of a single flower which once stood tall and proud, its white petals reaching up toward the sun. The lifeless body of a doll slumped on a table, a pool of red blood escaping her mouth. A doll which once walked and talked, each movement guided by a child’s hand. You stand alone, staring down at these broken treasures, these lost companions. Who did this? Was it you? The result of a fit of anger, rebellion, or defiance. Or was it someone else? A cruel act of destruction by a friend or stranger. It’s ok, don’t worry, you’ll find some new treasures when you least expect it…maybe even in our Editions sale.
Robert hangs with Picasso while hanging Picassos
Pablo Picasso, Buste d’homme (Bust of a Man), plate 4 from La Suite des Saltimbanques, 1905. Evening & Day Editions.
Robert Kennan, Head of Editions, Europe
Did you see my juggling performance in the Hirst video? I can do three but struggle with four. I need some more coaching please. Oh, you didn’t see it? I thought everyone had, there were thousands of views. What’s the attendance like in Montmartre? You need to ask Lautrec to do you some posters. And Pablo, when did you meet him? Are you lodged at the Bateau-Lavoir too? He understands you. Your performances helped him turn Blue into Rose.
Maybe fire, maybe desire, definitely Warhol
Andy Warhol, Details of Renaissance Paintings (Sandro Botticelli, Birth of Venus, 1482), 1984. Evening & Day Editions.
Christian Rosolino, Sale Manager
We may just be mere mortal beings, but why have we always been so obsessed with you?
When the Greeks called you Aphrodite, they worshipped you with live male goats... And in Rome, you were looked upon to provide guidance in all matters of love and war. Virgil made you the mother of his epic hero, while Horace dedicated an ode to you.
But why didn’t you remain within the classical realms of those who believed in your existence?
Botticelli gave you a renaissance in the Renaissance, birthing you from a shell into the forefront of culture for centuries to follow. You are the most captivating of planets, and the most unforgiving of plants. Even Bananarama sings of you as a fire, a desire…
And of course, Warhol transformed you into a Pop Queen, with your divine, blazing locks caressing your pearly skin. In the present day, the iconic rosy background of this very trial proof makes you the crowning jewel of our Editions sale and my specialist pick.
I began by asking you why we are so obsessed with you. But perhaps the better question is, why wouldn’t we be?
An “it girl” for the ages
David Hockney, Celia with Green Hat, from Moving Focus, 1984. David Hockney.
Julia Paeslack, Cataloguer/Associate Specialist
Celia, bat your eyelids at me! From Salford school to the swinging sixties, your classical crepe de chine collections have made their mark on modern mode. You absolutely MUST tell me how you style your fiery fringe, and how to pair your chartreuse chapeau with that cobalt cashmere. Hockney’s your friend, but I’m your biggest fan! Will you pleeaasee give me some styling tips?!
Feeling seen with Rembrandt
Rembrandt Harmensz. Van Rijn, Nude Lying Down, 1658. An Eye for Editions: From Rembrandt to Mehretu — The Frans Oomen Collection: Online Auction.
Hebe Reynolds, Associate Researcher
I wonder what he’s thinking. I can hear him scratching away at the plate, but I haven’t seen what’s come of the scored lines. This is the first time I’ve sat for him; well, I’m more lying down really. I feel quite at ease. He’s a funny character — he’s very private, I know that he doesn’t have a diary. I think his pictures are his memories, his mark on the world. The only thing I've seen him write is:
die meeste ende die natureelste beweechlickheyt
It means “the greatest and most natural movement.” That’s why I am not worried — he will depict me as I am. He will not hide my flaws, my bumps, my imperfect skin. He can see who I am.
My eyelids feel heavy, I can feel the folds of the sheets under my body. The room we are in is windowless, I am facing the darkened corner which feels warm and welcoming. Maybe I’ll fall asleep. I’m sure the work will get lost anyway, there’s so much clutter here. I doubt it will see the light of day.
Red faced with Rashid Johnson
Rashid Johnson, Untitled (Large Anxious Red), 2021. Evening & Day Editions.
Amelia Azura Mielniczek, Intern
Are you a remedy to loneliness? Or an individual’s anxiety amplified? Your rows of squished, square faces stare out at me. Wide eyes and gritted teeth emerge from a web of blood red lines. Conversely comforting and confronting, I start to think about my own worries. How should I address you? In the singular? The plural? Whichever it is, I can’t escape the overwhelming feeling of anxious pressure, so strong it seems about to burst. Watch out!