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With a unique visual language that vacillates between abstraction and figuration, André Butzer's oeuvre presents a kaleidoscopic fusion of colour, form, and emotion, pushing the boundaries of traditional painting techniques to redefine the limits of artistic representation.
“Every image is an abstraction. No matter what’s on it.”
— André ButzerButzer's refusal to comply in a world of compromise has defined his unique artistic practice for the past three decades. Combining European expressionism with American popular culture, his influences range from Henri Matisse to Walt Disney, Friedrich Hölderlin to Henry Ford, taking from each as he creates artworks that reflect his devotion to both his surroundings and his imagination.
Butzer's complex visual language is what he has termed 'Science-Fiction Expressionism'. This style is reflected in his creation of the imaginary world of NASAHEIM, a space colony inhabited by the 'Piece-Siemens'. Translating as ‘home’ in German, ‘Heim’ allowed Butzer to conceptualise NASAHEIM as a spatial reality: ‘Like the next frontier […] like saying there’s a home where NASA is’i. This non-place embodies the essence of proximity and distance and is a dimensionless locality without a physical place. Butzer's figures in NASAHEIM transcend the limits of acting as staffage in his pools of pigment, becoming icons of the future that occupy the liminal spaces between utopianism and mass consumerism. Rendered in a child-like abstraction, his creatures embody the idea of a future image of man and flesh that is prevalent in everyday culture.
André Butzer discusses his practice in a film by Rudij Bergmann, with the present painting featured in the artist's studio
“Titian said painting is about flesh and water, and I say it is about flesh and lemonade.”
— André ButzerThrough his planet weaving, Butzer creates a universe that is both familiar and alien. The 'Piece-Siemens' are depicted in a childlike abstraction, with tonal modelling and joyous palette that evoke a sense of playfulness and whimsy. Yet at the same time, these creatures are depicted in an ambigious context, hinting at the darker undercurrents of our own society.
“I just follow the roads of pictorial power.”
— André ButzerPainted in 2018, Untitled is one of Butzer’s rare works – a single portrait. One normally sees a jostle of comic-cum-grotesque characters that indulge through the canvas, a procession that lends his compositions a busy quality: the gluttony of form. In the present painting, the artist breaks from this traffic to present a lone figure suspended against a backdrop of maroon and mauve that bleed into one another, with more nuances of colour revealing themselves upon an extended viewing. Otherworldly yet familiar, they bear distinct resemblance to the flattened caricatures of Jean Dubuffet. Friction burns then soothes into the warmer tones of the figure’s dress, though their happy countenance betrays something more insidious – a kind of distant violence that teems beneath Butzer’s thick swathes of innocent pigment.
Jean Dubuffet, L'homme à la toque, 1956
Sold for US$2,571,000 at Phillips New York, 23 June 2021Artwork: © 2023 Artists Rights Society (ARS), New York / ADAGP, Paris
As described in the exhibition catalogue for his 2003 show, Chips und Pepsi und Medizin, at Galerie Max Heltzer: ‘André Butzer's figures always stay in a strange abeyance: at first glance grotesque heads, waving hands and clumsy feet can be taken as signs of unconcern but then the harmed and deformed creatures cause a feeling similar to compassion. The question is: what kind of life do these beings have? Are they human beings or mythical creatures and to what extend should we take their mental expressions seriously? The reference to comic may give us a hint for the answer. André Butzer believes in the influence of Walt Disney's figures on our image of human beings, nativity as well as artificiality are parts of this. The world of Mickey Mouse knows no moral, real pain nor real joy.’ iv
The Disney universe offers a counter-intuitive point from which to launch our investigation into what exactly makes Untitled so arcane. Believing that these cartoons, their depictions of inter-personal relationships and violence have had a profound effect on shifting attitudes our conception of the human and humanity, Butzer magnifies the distinctively Disney characteristics like as expansive eyes, gloved appendages, and disproportionately large heads through his refined colour scheme of acrid yellows, blues, and reds, ultimately launching a trenchant critique of commodity aesthetics.
In this context, Butzer's creations can be assessed in parallel with the oeuvre of American artist KAWS, whose emblematic monochromatic Companion figure (such as Lot 317 - KAWS - COMPANION) subverts Mickey Mouse's iconography as a means of scrutinising the psychological underpinnings of contemporary consumer culture, blurring the boundaries between high and low art while simultaneously demonstrating the capacity to transform art into a spectacle designed for mass consumption.
The Simpsons, 'Itchy & Scratchy Show'
Echoing the manner in which The Simpsons' writers lampooned the brutality of Tom and Jerry cartoons through their invention of the ultra-violent Itchy and Scratchy animated series as an ironic meta-commentary on animation, entertainment, and the concept of ethical responsibility, Butzer's NASAHEIM abstains from offering a didactic discourse on the dichotomy of good and evil. Instead, it crafts a realm that engages in a dialogue with our reality, amalgamating antithetical aspects of life and death, terror and allure, optimism and despondency in order to render visible the otherwise ineffable facets of existence.
Detail of the present work
Collector’s Digest
- Testament to his growing eminence in both the commercial and institutional spheres of the art world, Taschen released a comprehensive study into Butzer’s work this summer.
- Butzer has been the subject of solo shows at major institutions including the Kestnergesellschaft, Hannover; Kunsthalle Nuremberg; and the Yuz Museum, Shanghai. His work forms part of the collections of Carré d’art, Nîmes; the Hamburger Bahnhof, Berlin; MONA, Tasmania; the Rubell Family, Miami; MOCA, Los Angeles; and the Marciano Collection, Los Angeles, amongst others.
- Butzer’s work is held in various leading, internationally recognised collections, including: Scharpff Collection; Taschen Collection; Goetz Collection; Rubell Collection; Fondazione Prada; and Colección Lázaro.
- Demonstrative of the current strength of the artist's market, Butzer's top result at auction was recently achieved in October 2021 by Phillips London with the sale of Chips und Pepsi und Medizin (Das Glück). The work achieved an impressive 403,200 GBP Premium (554,684 USD)
i André Butzer in interview with Michael Slenske, ‘Expressionism, Now with Added Black’, Vice, 9 November 2017, online
ii ibid.
iii André Butzer, quoted in Hans Werner Holzwarth, ‘André Butzer: Paints from 1999 to 2021’, Taschen Magazine, Summer 2022, online
iv Thomas Groetz, André Butzer, Chips und Pepsi und Medizin, exh. cat., Galerie Max Hetzler, Berlin, 2003, p. 7Provenance
Nino Mier Gallery, Los Angeles
Acquired from the above by the present ownerLiterature
Hans Werner Halzwarth, André Butzer, Cologne, 2021, p. 326 (illustrated, p. 327)
PROPERTY FROM A DISTINGUISHED PRIVATE COLLECTION
311
Untitled
signed and dated 'A. Butzer '18 '18' on the reverse
acrylic on canvas
270.2 x 170 cm. (106 3/8 x 66 7/8 in.)
Painted in 2018.
Estimate
HK$700,000 - 900,000
€82,000-105,000
$89,700-115,000
Sold for HK$889,000
Anastasia Salnikoff
Head of Mid-Season Sales
+852 2318 2014
anastasiasalnikoff@phillips.com
Thomas Perazzi
Head of Watches, Asia
+852 2318 2001
WatchesHK@phillips.com
Disruptors: Evening Sale of 20th Century & Contemporary Art, Design and Watches
Hong Kong Auction 25 May 2023
301
Anna Park
Nude
Estimate HK$500,000 - 700,000
Sold for HK$698,500
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302
Wing Shya
Three works: Happy Together Stills (i) The Talk at Bar Sur; (ii) Prologue 2; (iii) Two to Tango
Estimate HK$80,000 - 120,000
Sold for HK$165,100
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303
Rolex
Ref. 6536/1
Model: Submariner
An impressive, attractive and rare stainless steel diver’s wristwatch with center seconds, black lacquered dial and braceletEstimate HK$240,000 - 480,000
Sold for HK$508,000
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304
Patek Philippe
Ref. 5207P-001
An exceptionally fine and rare platinum perpetual calendar minute repeating tourbillon wristwatch with small seconds, moon phases, leap year, day and night indication, additional solid caseback, setting pin, Certificate of Origin and presentation boxEstimate HK$4,000,000 - 6,000,000
Sold for HK$4,826,000
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305
Cartier
Ref. 2774
Model: Crash
A rare, possibly unique and exquisite white gold and diamond-set asymmetrical wristwatch with Certificate of Origin and presentation boxEstimate HK$500,000 - 1,000,000
Sold for HK$990,600
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306
Audemars Piguet
Ref. 14802ST
Model: Royal Oak Jubilee
An extremely attractive and rare limited edition stainless steel wristwatch with salmon dial, date, bracelet, certificate and presentation box, numbered 622 of a limited edition of 1,000 pieces, made in commemoration of the 20th Anniversary of the Royal OakEstimate HK$600,000 - 1,200,000
Sold for HK$952,500
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307
Fernando Campana and Humberto Campana
'Bolotas' armchair
Estimate HK$120,000 - 180,000
Sold for HK$165,100
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308
Mr.
Misaki
Estimate HK$2,000,000 - 3,000,000
Sold for HK$3,302,000
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309
This lot is no longer available.
310
Yayoi Kusama
I Who Sing in Celebration of Humanity
Estimate HK$7,500,000 - 9,500,000
Sold for HK$8,509,000
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311
André Butzer
Untitled
Estimate HK$700,000 - 900,000
Sold for HK$889,000
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312
Charlotte Perriand and Pierre Jeanneret
Bookshelf with cabinets, model no. 14, from 'L’Équipement de la Maison' series
Estimate HK$150,000 - 200,000
Sold for HK$304,800
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313
Cartier
Ref. WGTA0044
Model: Tank Asymétrique
A rare, fine and attractive limited edition yellow gold asymmetrical wristwatch with certificate and presentation box, numbered 89 of a limited edition of 100 piecesEstimate HK$200,000 - 400,000
Sold for HK$241,300
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314
Rolex
Ref. 6241
Model: Cosmograph Daytona
An extremely rare and attractive yellow gold chronograph wristwatch with champagne dialEstimate HK$940,000 - 1,500,000
Sold for HK$1,092,200
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315
Cartier
Ref. WGTA0088
Model: Tank Chinoise
A rare, "like-new" and elegant limited edition yellow gold rectangular-shaped wristwatch with warranty and presentation box, numbered 83 of a limited edition of 150 piecesEstimate HK$100,000 - 250,000
Sold for HK$165,100
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316
This lot is no longer available.
317
KAWS
COMPANION
Estimate HK$4,000,000 - 6,000,000
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318
Andy Warhol
Figures on a Busy Street
Estimate HK$450,000 - 650,000
Sold for HK$444,500
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319
Nicolas Party
Trees
Estimate HK$10,000,000 - 15,000,000
Sold for HK$12,550,000
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320
David Hockney
The Arrival of Spring in Woldgate, East Yorkshire in 2011 (twenty eleven) - 4 May
Estimate HK$680,000 - 850,000
Sold for HK$1,079,500
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321
Takashi Murakami & Virgil Abloh
"FLOWER"
Estimate HK$1,000,000 - 2,000,000
Sold for HK$2,921,000
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322
Anish Kapoor
Non Object (Mirror)
Estimate HK$3,800,000 - 4,800,000
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323
Gio Ponti
Coffee table
Estimate HK$120,000 - 180,000
Sold for HK$152,400
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324
Gio Ponti
Pair of armchairs, model no. 247, from the 'Modern by Singer' series
Estimate HK$100,000 - 150,000
Sold for HK$114,300
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325
Angel Otero
Bayamón
Estimate HK$700,000 - 1,000,000
Sold for HK$1,079,500
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326
Stanley Whitney
Stay Song 27
Estimate HK$1,800,000 - 2,800,000
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327
Rafa Macarrón
343 Almas
Estimate HK$800,000 - 1,200,000
Sold for HK$1,016,000
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328
Vacheron Constantin
Ref. 44018
Model: 222
A very elegant and attractive yellow gold wristwatch with date and integrated braceletEstimate HK$250,000 - 500,000
Sold for HK$508,000
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329
Audemars Piguet
Ref. 25654BA.OO.0944BA.01
Model: Royal Oak Perpetual Calendar
An extremely fine, rare and well-preserved yellow gold perpetual calendar wristwatch with MK I dial, moon phases and integrated braceletEstimate HK$470,000 - 940,000
Sold for HK$660,400
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330
Patek Philippe
Ref. 3940
A rare and attractive yellow gold perpetual calendar wristwatch with moon phases, leap year, 24-hour indication, Certificate of Origin and presentation boxEstimate HK$200,000 - 400,000
Sold for HK$508,000
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331
RETNA
He's A Criminal No Different From Me. One Could Argue I Could Be Painted With The Same Brush
Estimate HK$300,000 - 500,000
Sold for HK$762,000
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332
This lot is no longer available.
333
José Parlá
New Language Forms
Estimate HK$380,000 - 580,000
Sold for HK$355,600
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334
Takashi Murakami & Virgil Abloh
"ARROWS AND FLOWER"
Estimate HK$1,200,000 - 2,200,000
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335
Aya Takano
In the 30th Year of the Showa, the Day the Fire Flowers Rose
Estimate HK$500,000 - 800,000
Sold for HK$635,000
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336
Katherine Bernhardt
Six Papayas
Estimate HK$300,000 - 500,000
Sold for HK$368,300
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337
Cartier
Ref. 1734
Model: Tank Américaine
A very fine and rare limited edition platinum wristwatch with salmon dial and presentation box, numbered 16 of a limited edition of 30 pieces made for the 150th anniversary of the Swiss ConfederationEstimate HK$100,000 - 200,000
Sold for HK$165,100
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338
Patek Philippe
Ref. 5065A
Model: Aquanaut
An attractive and rare stainless steel wristwatch with center seconds, date and presentation boxEstimate HK$160,000 - 310,000
Sold for HK$330,200
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339
Franck Muller
Ref. 2870 NADF
Model: Chronographe Double Face
A rare and attractive yellow gold double-faced chronograph wristwatch with two-tone silvered dials, pulsations, telemeter and tachymeter scales, Certificate of Origin and presentation boxEstimate HK$80,000 - 160,000
Sold for HK$190,500
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340
Jean Prouvé
Sun shutter, designed for schools in Cameroon
Estimate HK$80,000 - 120,000
Sold for HK$101,600
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341
Jean Prouvé
Sun shutter, designed for schools in Cameroon
Estimate HK$80,000 - 120,000
Sold for HK$101,600
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342
Wolfgang Tillmans
paper drop (Studio) I
Estimate HK$100,000 - 150,000
Sold for HK$177,800
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343
Wolfgang Tillmans
paper drop (London) II
Estimate HK$100,000 - 150,000
Sold for HK$139,700
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344
Hiroshi Sugimoto
North Pacific Ocean, Ohkurosaki
Estimate HK$160,000 - 240,000
Sold for HK$215,900
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345
Hiroshi Sugimoto
Bay of Sagami, Atami
Estimate HK$160,000 - 240,000
Sold for HK$228,600
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346
Ron Arad
'Big Easy Volume 2' armchair
Estimate HK$200,000 - 300,000
Sold for HK$190,500
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347
Gio Ponti
'Diamond' flatware service for 24
Estimate HK$190,000 - 280,000
Sold for HK$254,000
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348
Vacheron Constantin
Ref. 49152/000A-9540
Model: Overseas Chronograph
A fine and rare stainless steel chronograph wristwatch with date, guarantee and presentation box, numbered 91 of a limited edition of 100 pieces made for the Greek marketEstimate HK$120,000 - 200,000
Sold for HK$165,100
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349
Rolex
Ref. 16520
Model: Cosmograph Daytona
A very fine and well-preserved stainless steel chronograph wristwatch with bracelet, guarantee and presentation boxEstimate HK$180,000 - 280,000
Sold for HK$254,000
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350
Audemars Piguet
Ref. 26300ST.OO.1110ST.08
Model: Royal Oak Chronograph
A fine and attractive stainless steel chronograph wristwatch with date, bracelet, Certificate of Authentication and presentation boxEstimate HK$160,000 - 320,000
Sold for HK$304,800
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351
Rolex
Ref. 1680
Model: Submariner, “Red Sub”, MK II
A rare and attractive stainless steel diver’s wristwatch with center seconds, date, MK II dial, bracelet and presentation boxEstimate HK$120,000 - 300,000
Sold for HK$190,500
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352
After Jean-Michel Basquiat
Flexible
Estimate HK$450,000 - 650,000
Sold for HK$533,400
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353
Kenny Scharf
Unique Surfboard
Estimate HK$450,000 - 650,000
Sold for HK$406,400
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354
Poul Kjærholm
'Hammock' lounge chair, model no. PK 24
Estimate HK$90,000 - 120,000
Sold for HK$114,300
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355
Urwerk
Ref. UR-105M
Model: Dark Knight
A fine, rare and unusual limited edition titanium wristwatch with three-dimensional satellite hour display, power reserve, warranty and presentation box, numbered 10 of a limited edition of 77 piecesEstimate HK$180,000 - 280,000
Sold for HK$304,800
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356No Reserve
Rolex
Ref. 126000
Model: Oyster Perpetual 36
A attractive stainless steel wristwatch with center seconds, “Tiffany” blue lacquer dial, bracelet, guarantee and presentation boxEstimate HK$60,000 - 120,000 •
Sold for HK$203,200
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357No Reserve
Alain Silberstein
Ref. TMA1-002
Model: Tourbillon Volant
A very rare and unusual limited edition stainless steel semi-skeletonised tourbillon wristwatch with date, numbered 1 of a limited edition of 9 piecesEstimate HK$80,000 - 160,000 •
Sold for HK$139,700
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358
KAWS and Estudio Campana
KAWS: MONSTER Chair
Estimate HK$400,000 - 600,000
Sold for HK$381,000
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359
KAWS
UNTITLED
Estimate HK$500,000 - 700,000
Sold for HK$419,100
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360
Hans J. Wegner
'Valet' chair, model no. 540
Estimate HK$40,000 - 60,000
Sold for HK$133,350
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361
Arne Jacobsen
'Egg' chair model no. 3316 and later ottoman, model no. 3127
Estimate HK$30,000 - 50,000
Sold for HK$35,560
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362
Yoshitomo Nara
Hand Searching
Estimate HK$400,000 - 600,000
Sold for HK$584,200
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