559 - GRAUBNER, GOTTHARD

GRAUBNER, GOTTHARD 1930 Erlbach–2013 Neuss Title: Untitled (Gesacktes Kissen). Date: 1969. Technique: Mixed media on Perlon over synthetic cotton on canvas. Measurement: 104 x 85 x 18 cm. Notation: Signed and dated verso lower right: Gotth. Graubner 1969. Next to this equipped with directional arrow. The work was restored in 2026 after consultation with the Gotthard Graubner Archiv. Provenance: - Private collection North Rhine-Westphalia - Graubner’s ‘colour space sculptures’ are unrivalled in the history of art and have become a unique artistic hallmark - In private ownership for decades - The work exemplifies the artist’s enthusiasm for experimenting with forms, colours and spatial effects Since the 1960s, the artist Gotthard Graubner has been exploring the autonomy of colour and its effect in space – particularly in his large-scale ‘colour blocks’, ‘cushion pictures’ and ‘colour space objects’, which he began creating in 1971. They constitute a distinct genre in their own right, one which enables the effects he seeks to achieve. His ‘colour space bodies’ are three-dimensional wall objects. They consist of an internal framework – a stretcher frame covered with canvas. Layers of synthetic wadding are placed over this, which enable the work to ‘grow’ into the space. This layer can be up to 20 cm thick. A second layer of canvas is stretched over this without forming any creases, thus creating a compact, cushion-like form with softly rounded edges and corners. This ‘blank’ is then given its painterly treatment. Graubner applies the thinly fluid paints in layers. The forms are soaked, brushed, splashed and rubbed with long-handled brushes. The seemingly monochrome impression of the works is deceptive , however. Countless shades and nuances lie one upon the other, lending the work additional three-dimensionality. Whether in large or small format, the colour-space forms always exude a fascinating spatial presence whilst simultaneously radiating an incredible sense of tranquillity. Graubner himself described them as ‘architectural forms’ capable of influencing and altering the space around them. This work, ‘Gesacktes Kissen’, exemplifies Graubner’s enthusiasm for experimentation with forms, colours and spatial effects since the mid-1960s. In contrast to the evenly stretched cushions with their bulbous centres, this work appears to be subject to gravity. A pronounced curve extends towards the viewer in the lower section. This is also where the colour has found its way. Through compaction and the accumulation of pigment, the colour intensity in this area is heightened. At first glance, the work appears in monochrome grey. On closer inspection, further nuances become visible – a shade of red can also be found, which leaves a warm chromatic impression and emphasises the soft form. Letting colour become the subject itself is the masterstroke of the artist Gotthard Graubner. Estimated shipping costs for this lot: The lot is unsuitable for parcel shipping. Transport only by shipping company after consultation following the auction. additional shipping insurance Shipping insurance up to total invoice amount of 25,000 Euros: max. 41.65 Euro over a total invoice amount of 25,000 Euros: 1.8 o/oo USA by individual arrangement after the auction. #Gotthard Graubner #Abstraction #Germany #Post-War Art #Object #1960s #Post War. In accordance with §26 UrhG (German Copyright Act), VAN HAM is obliged to pay a statutory resale royalty on the sale proceeds of all original works of fine art and photography whose authors have not been deceased for 70 years prior to the end of the calendar year of the sale. The buyer shall contribute 1.5% of the hammer price to this fee.