43 of 98 lots
43
Duane Michals (American, b. 1932) He was unaware
Estimate: $1,500-$2,500
Sold
$2,250
Live Auction
Master of Ceremonies: The Joel Grey Collection
Location
Philadelphia
Size
Image: 3 3/8 x 5 inches.
Description
Duane Michals

(American, b. 1932)

He was unaware

gelatin silver print with handwritten text

signed, dedicated and dated For Joel / 4.21.98 / yours Duane Michals in ink

Image: 3 3/8 x 5 inches.


The Collection of Joel Grey


This lot is located in Philadelphia.

Condition
Framed: 9 x 11 1/4 inches.Sheet: 7 3/4 x 10 inches.Soft handling creases throughout, visible in raking light, including along extreme edges and an approximately 1/2 inch crease in image to left of figure's upraised arms. A small area of scattered discoloration from possible soiling present in top margin (unobtrusive to image area). There is a small oval of soiling present in margin, along extreme top edge near left corner. See Specialist photos for details. Work is hinged to mat at all four corners verso.
Signature
signed, dedicated and dated For Joel / 4.21.98 / yours Duane Michals in ink
Provenance
Provenance:The Artist.Gifted from the above in 1998.Lot Note:Duane Michals is a pioneering American photographer known for his deeply personal, often philosophical photo sequences that blend image and text to explore themes of identity, memory, love, and mortality. A self-taught artist, Michals broke away from traditional photographic norms in the 1960s and 70s, introducing narrative and handwritten captions into his work- transforming photography into a poetic, introspective art form.Mr. Grey, who owns several of Michals’s works, speaks of him with warmth and admiration: “He’s a genius – I mean he knows more about art than almost anyone I know… and he’s a good friend.” Their friendship began serendipitously- “I think walking down the street where I lived,” Grey recalls- and blossomed through a shared passion for theater and art. Grey describes Michals as “one of the funniest people you’ll ever meet, and one of the smartest,” noting that he’s always creating: “He never stops. He’s just a genius.” For Grey, Michals is not only a brilliant visual artist but also “a poet” whose work continues to inspire.