Bortolami Gallery, New York
Acquired directly from the above by the present owner in 2010

This work is in very good condition. There is some light wear and handling marks along the edges, including a slight bent to the upper left corner. There are scattered light surface abrasions throughout the work; all aforementioned areas are inherent to the artist's working process. The catalogue illustration fails to convey the reflective element of the brass as well as the warmth and vibrancy of the 24 carat gold.
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

Visually arresting and commanding in scale, Untitled (24KT Gold) is an impressive example of Aaron Young’s signature aesthetic, in which action ‘painting’ is re-imagined through a defiantly urbanised lens. Born in San Francisco in 1972, Young has created works throughout his career to date that challenge the conventional notions of artistic production and the fundamental role of the artist themselves. Christopher Mooney has discussed Young’s oeuvre with reference to the artist’s connection with American Abstract Expressionism stating, “With the help of pit bulls, skateboarders, tattoo artists and helicopter pilots, Aaron Young makes shrewd use of the margins of American pop culture… [He is] embracing an alternative form of American outsider art, aggressively crafting a macho artist persona that attempts to square up to those of the Abstract Expressionists” (Christopher Mooney, "Hellraiser", ArtReview, January-February 2010, Issue 38, p. 50).

Untitled (24KT Gold) forms part of Young’s most celebrated series of works, in which the hitherto unrecognised creative potential of motor cycles is thrillingly harnessed. By driving a motorcycle repeatedly over the brass surface plated with 24 karat gold, an intricate web of pattern and texture is formed by the pressure of the tires, resulting in a work that plays with the viewer’s expectations and perspectives. The striking contrast between the gleaming brilliance of the gold – reinforced by the reference to 24KT Gold in the title &nd꧃ash; and the almost brutal force of the motorcycle’s wheels scoring roughly across the metal adds yet another intriguing dimension to the work, in which the decorative combines with ☂urbanised machismo to astonishing effect.