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Rendered with bold lines, vibrant colours and a childlike aesthetic, Spanish artist Rafa Macarrón’s idiosyncratic creatures have come to represent the artist as his signature motif. His style of figuration is wholly unique, producing cartoon-like characters with elongated limbs and exaggerated features, perhaps informed by his previous profession as a physiotherapist. Channelling the primitive styles and expressionist elements found in the works by art historical giants, such as Pablo Picasso, Francisco Goya, Jean Dubuffet and Alfonso Fraile, Macarrón similarly shares in their endeavours to develop a distinct aesthetic in figurative painting, one which is often infused with his personal experiences, emotions, and a sense of playfulness.
The artist in his studio
Image: Courtesy the artist's studioFreedom of Expression
The materials used in my painting give me total freedom of expression. The spray gives modernity, dynamism, and colour. The pencils and the marker create the weft, the waxes, the acrylics and the gouaches, nuanced transparencies and the oil brings complexity.”
— Rafa MacarrónOften incorporating non-traditional materials such as three-dimensional elements, sand, cement, plaster, collaged pieces of paper or cardboard into his work, Macarrón's paintings are unique in their execution and present a sense of texture and depth. His works are also known for its bold and expressive use of colour, with each painting featuring its own unique palette. His unconventional use of materials is seen as a departure from traditional painting techniques and has helped to establish Macarrón as a key figure in the contemporary art scene of today, creating visceral and uncompromising works that break the boundaries in traditional notions of representation and genre.
“I’d like the viewer to relate to my interpretation of reality and what surrounds us. I hope they experience my painting and its characters the same way I do, asking themselves: who are they? What is their life like? Where do they come from and where do they go?”
— Rafa MacarrónAs a self-taught artist, Macarrón began painting in 2006, and has found the freedom to express his personal experiences and unique perspective directly onto the canvas. He cited a childhood visit to the Musée Picasso as a formative experience that strongly influenced his work: ‘When I entered one of the rooms I asked for a notebook and coloured pencils. I spent the whole morning trying to understand what was in front of me.’ i Other than Picasso, Macarrón is also influenced by other Spanish artists such as Alfonso Fraile, Roberto Matta and Antonio Quirós.
Alfonso Fraile, 143 personajes no. 1, 1979
Collection of the Museo Nacional Centro de Arte Reina Sofía, MadridSharing similarities compositionally, the present lot and Fraile’s 143 personajes no. 1, 1979 both feature numerous individual figures situated in a grid like structure. A representative of Art Brut and Naive Art movements. Alfonso Fraile executed his work with drawings of individual characters glued together to often form collages. Such as can be seen in 143 personajes no.1, Fraile’s later works showcased minimised subjects isolated in spaces, sometimes in tight lattices swathed in bright colours, and were characterised by a strong linear preoccupation and fervent brushwork. It is not difficult to see hints of the late artist’s work in Macarrón’s own piece, created some nearly four decades later.
343 Souls
“Everything is centred around the wonder and amazement that can be found within daily life… I am interested in all of my characters being unique and alive. They each have their own souls.”
— Rafa Macarrón343 Almas, translating to 343 souls, is an eccentric work by Macarrón that refers to the number of characters in the painting, each with its own unique composition of abstract shapes, vibrant colours, and collaged elements. These protagonists are characterised by a unique sense of energy and movement, with various shapes, movements and colours interacting in dynamic ways. Instead of focusing on any specific subject or theme, Rafa Macarrón's art goes beyond traditional artistic boundaries, creating an intimate connection with both the viewer and society as a whole by evoking a sense of energy and emotion with his unique style of characterisation, reflecting his own incessant drive to capture the world around him.
Detail of the present workMacarrón's characters are easily identifiable, featuring highly individualised personalities conveyed through simplified gestures. Macarrón seeks to not only create his own art but also to portray the movement and creation of others. As he trained as a physiotherapist, Macarrón possesses a deep understanding of the human anatomy, which he incorporates into his creative process. As the artist explains: ‘To create my elongated figures requires knowledge and respect for anatomy. I know the structure of the body perfectly. Then, I begin to try out distortions and deformations, which I think works very well. I am able to create my own characters, each with their own soul and personality.’ ii
Despite their dramatic deformations, the dreamlike scenes and unusual figures in his work exude tenderness and approachability. Macarrón's painting disrupts traditional notions of representation and medium within the genre of figurative painting. His distinct characters command the viewer's attention within each piece, representing both the universal and the unique.
Collector’s Digest
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Born in Madrid in 1981, Rafa Macarrón studied at the Complutense University of Madrid and is a contemporary Spanish artist known for his colourful and abstract paintings that feature his idiosyncratic alien-like figuration.
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Winner of the first BMW painting prize in 2011, Macarrón’s work has been exhibited around the world and in numerous art fairs such as Saatchi Gallery in London and the Museum of Contemporary Art in Shanghai, and collected by institutions around the world, including Hudson Valley Centre for Contemporary Art in New York and Cristina Masaveu Peterson in Spain. He has also been featured in numerous publications, including Artforum, Art in America and The New York Times.
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The artist's held solo exhibition The Girls' Dreams at the Nino Mier Gallery in Los Angeles, which lasted from 15 January - 11 February, 2022.
Rafa Macarrón, Sin título (Cosmos), 2015
Sold by Phillips Hong Kong, 22 June 2022 for HK$1,386,000 (premium)
Artwork: © Rafa Macarróni Rafa Macarrón, quoted in Rom Levy, ‘Artist Interview: Rafa Macarrón‘, Street Art News, October 2021, online
ii Rafa Macarrón, quoted in Melissa Mui, ‘Rafa Macarrón Explores Shape-Shifting Characters at La Nave’, Whitewall Art, July 2021, online
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Provenance
Private Collection, Spain (acquired directly from the artist)
Acquired from the above by the present owner
327
343 Almas
signed with the artist's initials and dated 'RM 17' lower right
mixed media on aluminium
183 x 296 cm. (72 x 116 1/2 in.)
Executed in 2017.
Estimate
HK$800,000 - 1,200,000
€93,700-141,000
$103,000-154,000
Sold for HK$1,016,000
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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