Rago’s Upcoming Sale Explores Modern and Contemporary Art

“Art is a simplification of life,” American artist James Brooks told The New York Times in 1975. “A distillation of life with fewer impurities in it. Fewer elements, perhaps.” Brooks used these principles to develop his distinct paintings challenging calligraphy, color, and form. Two examples of his work, respectively titled A.M. and P.M., will come to auction in October with Rago. The former uses shades of red, yellow, and orange to depict abstract, overlapping shapes. The latter offers a blue, white, and black variation on the same theme.

The upcoming 20 | 21 Art auction explores Modern and Contemporary art that has pushed the boundaries of multiple mediums. A 1991 photograph from Sandy Skoglund is one example, showing dozens of squirrels positioned around a pink-hued house. The squirrels appear to be inside the home as well, transforming from a dark gray color to pastel pink. Other notable lots in the sale include two untitled sketches from Colombian painter Luis Caballero, a painted five-panel screen by Christian Peltenburg-Brechneff, and a selection of photography. To browse the catalog and place a bid, visit Bidsquare.