Contemporary + Modern: Art & Design
Fri, Jan 28, 2022 01:00AM EST
Lot 39
NICOLAS AFRICANO / Ron of Japan (1971 Pen Drawing)
Sold for
$300
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)
Ron of Japan, 1971
Pen and color wash on paper
8" x 6 3/4" (sight)
Presented behind glass in a metal frame that measures 11 1/4" x 10 1/4". The text reads "Ron of Japan went to the ocean. We beleive [sic] he will come home. Ulysses of Japan, quiet lover, through the desert to Oregon and the sea."
Though "Ron of Japan" is a reference to a Chicago restaurant and ceramics gift shop, according to Bill Morgan the meaning of this Africano work is personal: "A friend named Ron took off on a long road trip to the Northwest to find himself, and this piece was done as an affectionate “Happy Trails” tribute in recognition of his travels as a means of self-discovery."
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. Not removed from the frame.
(Illinois, b. 1948)
Ron of Japan, 1971
Pen and color wash on paper
8" x 6 3/4" (sight)
Presented behind glass in a metal frame that measures 11 1/4" x 10 1/4". The text reads "Ron of Japan went to the ocean. We beleive [sic] he will come home. Ulysses of Japan, quiet lover, through the desert to Oregon and the sea."
Though "Ron of Japan" is a reference to a Chicago restaurant and ceramics gift shop, according to Bill Morgan the meaning of this Africano work is personal: "A friend named Ron took off on a long road trip to the Northwest to find himself, and this piece was done as an affectionate “Happy Trails” tribute in recognition of his travels as a means of self-discovery."
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