Abdi Farah - Contemporary Art Part II New York Tuesday, November 9, 2010 | Phillips

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  • Catalogue Essay


    Baptism emerged during a time of uncertainty for me regarding what I loved in art and what I personally wanted to make as an artist. For a long time I made work that I was only half inspired to make. I was convinced that there were certain elements needed in a painting or drawing before it qualified as a work of contemporary art. My world as an artist was beginning to lose all shape and purpose. I knew only one thing, that I loved drawing the figure. With this piece I determined to eliminate every element of my process that I did not enjoy. There would be no poignant or humorous narratives, no clever formal concept. Drawing its materials from a nature reserve in Connecticut, Baptism is an ovation to the undeniable beauty of humanity and the indelible connection we share with the rest of the natural world. This piece will forever represent my excavation to find my true voice as an artist.
    Artist’s statement, October 2010

Abdi Farah is the Winner of Bravo’s creative competition series Work of Art: The Next Great Artist.

200

Baptism

2010

Charcoal, dirt and black pigment on paper.

44 x 96 in. (111.8 x 243.8 cm).

Signed and dated “Abdi Farah 2010” on the reverse.

Estimate
$6,000 - 8,000 

Sold for $20,000

Contemporary Art Part II

9 November 2010
New York