Choice Works

Jasper Johns is a prolific American painter, printmaker, and sculptor known for his Pop Art and Abstract Expressionist artworks. It was in 1954 that Johns created his seminal Flag painting. During the same year, the artist also started experimenting with printmaking. Recalling his first monotype, Johns states, “While working as a clerk in a bookstore, I folded a small piece of paper, made parallel cuts into it, then applied ink, and pressed it against another sheet of paper, leaving an impression of the ink.” Johns’ monotypes involve single prints as opposed to his multiple editions, which are made using etching and lithography. The upcoming Sotheby’s auction presents an untitled monotype print by Johns. It was executed in 2018.

The auction also features Construct, a work by color field artist Sam Gilliam. The acrylic on rice paper piece is an example of the artist’s drape paintings. These tie-dye style paintings often involve draping paper or fabric on canvas. This Choice Works auction also features works from prominent artists such as Richard Prince, Ed Ruscha, and Sol LeWitt. Interested collectors can explore the full listings and register to bid online on Sotheby’s.