Sale: 440 / Contemporary Art, Dec. 10. 2016 in Munich Lot 679

 

679
Stefan Kürten
Innocent when you dream, 2004.
Oil on canvas
Estimate:
€ 15,000 / $ 16,500
Sold:
€ 18,750 / $ 20,625

(incl. surcharge)
Innocent when you dream. 2004.
Oil on canvas.
Signed and dated lower right. Verso signed, dated and titled. 120 x 151 cm (47.2 x 59.4 in).

PROVENANCE: Lehman Brothers Holdings Inc.
Private collection.

In "Innocent when you dream“ Stefan Kürten confronts the observer with the classic landscape motif of an allegedly contemplative idyl of a forest creek. For his paintings the artist uses samples from his own photo archive or illustrations he finds in books and magazines. His subjects are based on real events, which Kürten transforms into exaggerated and artificial versions during the painting process. The absence of any human traces creates a surreal atmosphere. He creates exaggerated motifs through the usage of strange artificial lighting. In our work Kürten deconstructs the landscape into small graphic units that seem like an ornamental veil. At the same time, the dissolution of forms and contours in a glazing color applicatione leads to an almost "impressionist“ effect that integrates light as an artistic means. Kürten shows us nature in an innocent state, as an imaginary, romantic refuge, in a way as an alternative to the urban space



679
Stefan Kürten
Innocent when you dream, 2004.
Oil on canvas
Estimate:
€ 15,000 / $ 16,500
Sold:
€ 18,750 / $ 20,625

(incl. surcharge)