Dane Fine Art’s Summer Sale Presents Original James Havard Paintings, Jeff Koons Balloon Dogs, and More

Dane Fine Art’s Summer Sale of Modern & Contemporary Art will highlight several works by American Abstract Illusionist painter James Havard. A master of trompe l’oeil, the artist also experimented with elements of Art Brut and Expressionism in his later career. Precision was an important part of his practice; Havard practiced animal husbandry as a boy, and his first paid art job was as a technical illustrator of electronic components. Featured in this sale is Havard’s Still Life for Morandi, a 1980 acrylic and pastel on board painting. The title likely references the Italian artist and printmaker Giorgio Morandi, who specialized in sensitive, delicately-colored still lifes. The available work features Havard’s signature swoops of paint and figurative elements, as well as several false shadows to create the illusion of three dimensionality. 

Additional lots of interest include two Balloon Dog sculptures by Jeff Koons from a rare 2015 limited edition of 2,300. The original porcelain sculpture is available in both yellow and magenta. Another contemporary artist with work in the sale is Adam Parker Smith, a sculptor and installation artist who often uses humor to explore serious themes like fear, obsession, and envy. The result are works that subvert expectations and balance irreverence with whimsy. Dane Fine Art will present Smith’s Shibari Heart (Black) from 2019, a resin, jute, and wood sculpture that references the Japanese rope bondage technique. Interested bidders will also find works by Jasper Johns, Fernand Léger, and Louis Icart in this event. Visit Bidsquare to find the complete catalog for this Summer Sale of Modern & Contemporary Art and browse other online auctions.