Colin McCahon selected by Deutscher and Hackett

[Pierre Tavlitzki]

New Zealand is passionate about an artwork of Colin McCahon. Sold in 1995 for 700 KNZ$ by Webb's in Auckland, it arrived afterwards in Australia where Deutscher and Hackett presents it on sale on August 26 in Melbourne.

Proponent of abstract expressionism, McCahon includes words in a mystical intention. The work for sale is entitled "Let be, let be." Made in 1959, this enamel and sand on board 183 x 122 cm is estimated 800 KA$. It could also overcome its own record as the most expensive New Zealander modern artwork at auction.

From the biography of McCahon, remember that he wanted to create a national modern art and that he was influenced by the works of Mondrian, Pollock, Rothko and Newman.

In a beautiful wave of proselytizing enthusiasm, the art lover who had purchased it at Webb's said on the Stuff.co.nz website: "The works with text on are the kinds of works that McCahon is renowned for beyond New Zealand. Internationally, that's where his importance lies." Let us be more cautious than this expert. Rather say that this sale is an opportunity to discover McCahon, who will be also highlighted with two other works.

August sales of Deutscher and Hackett are interesting for understanding the art of Oceania. It is through this auction house that I discussed John Brack last year.

[Pierre Tavlitzki]

The Australian press has given the result, without waiting for it to be available at the auction house: 785 KA$ (I think the costs are included, if this is not the case I will correct).

It is a good result, but that does not represent a significant added value compared to 1995 (A$ 1 is worth about NZ$ 1.2).

[Pierre Tavlitzki]

I checked, as promised. The price including fees, available on the website of the auction house, is 942 KA$. I conclude that the price quoted by the press was the hammer price.