Contemporary + Modern: Art & Design
Fri, Jan 28, 2022 01:00AM EST
Lot 46
NICOLAS AFRICANO / Lovers Apart (1972 Acrylic Diptych)
Sold for
$500
Bid Increments
| Price | Bid Increment |
|---|---|
| $0 | $25 |
| $500 | $50 |
| $1,000 | $100 |
| $5,000 | $250 |
| $10,000 | $500 |
| $20,000 | $1,000 |
| $50,000 | $2,500 |
| $75,000 | $5,000 |
| $100,000 | $10,000 |
Nicolas Africano
(Illinois, b. 1948)
Lovers Apart, 1972
Acrylic diptych on doilies
11" x 10 1/2" (each doily)
Two images of individual figures masturbating, framed opposite one another. The work was a gift from Africano to Bill Morgan and his then-girlfriend, who was preparing to move out of state to pursue her PhD. Morgan comments: "The two figures are separated by unknown distances, each in his or her own island of lace; the figures are looking in each other’s direction, but they are each contentedly self-involved. In the end, the piece offers an image of individual self-sufficiency contained by a frame of shared experience."
Presented behind glass in a frame that measures 14 1/4" x 25 1/4".
Provenance: From the Bill & Ellen Morgan collection. Bill Morgan is a professor emeritus of English at Illinois State University in Normal, Illinois. It was there that he befriended Nicolas Africano, and he quickly became a patron and collector of the Africano's work as well; for a time Morgan rented Africano a room, occasionally accepting artwork in lieu of payment. This far-reaching collection from an early adopter gives a unique opportunity to access rare early works and get an expansive view of the artist during several pivotal moments in his journey.
Alternate spelling: Nicholas Africano
Very good condition, with no issues noted. Not removed from the frame.
(Illinois, b. 1948)
Lovers Apart, 1972
Acrylic diptych on doilies
11" x 10 1/2" (each doily)
Two images of individual figures masturbating, framed opposite one another. The work was a gift from Africano to Bill Morgan and his then-girlfriend, who was preparing to move out of state to pursue her PhD. Morgan comments: "The two figures are separated by unknown distances, each in his or her own island of lace; the figures are looking in each other’s direction, but they are each contentedly self-involved. In the end, the piece offers an image of individual self-sufficiency contained by a frame of shared experience."
Presented behind glass in a frame that measures 14 1/4" x 25 1/4".
Provenance: From the Bill & Ellen Morgan collection. Bill Morgan is a professor emeritus of English at Illinois State University in Normal, Illinois. It was there that he befriended Nicolas Africano, and he quickly became a patron and collector of the Africano's work as well; for a time Morgan rented Africano a room, occasionally accepting artwork in lieu of payment. This far-reaching collection from an early adopter gives a unique opportunity to access rare early works and get an expansive view of the artist during several pivotal moments in his journey.
Alternate spelling: Nicholas Africano