signed in Latin, inscribed 'Paris' and dated 78 in various places; further signed and dated '1979' on the stretcher gouache, ink and watercolor on paper, mounted on canvasThis monumental composition gives the impression of a rich and complex tapestry. Something about the density and the even application of paint in Chemiakin’s watercolors given them a velvety texture that is satisfying and beautiful. The semi-figurative, semi-alien forms and creatures are just recognizable enough to tease out associations at the very edge of our consciousness and imagination.

Donated to the present owner in 1985

New York,  Eduard Nakhamkin Fine Arts, 'The Exhibition of Three: Mihail Chemiakin, Oleg Tselkovi, Ernst Neizvestny', 21 March - 20 April 1979 
São Paulo, Museu de Arte de São Paulo; Rio de Janeiro, Museu de Arte Moderna do Rio de Janeiro; San Diego, Museum of Contemporary Art, 'Mihail Chemiakin, obras 1965-1980', 1980

 

Exhibition catalogue 'The Exhibition of Three: Mihail Chemiakin, Oleg Tselkovi, Ernst Neizvestny', New York: Eduard Nakhamkin Fine Arts, 1979, illustrated
Exhibition catalogue 'Mihail Chemiakin, obras 1965-1980', Museu de Arte de São Paulo, 1980, p.40 illustrated
'Mihail Chemiakin: Volume 1', Mosaic Press, 1986, p.486 illustrated
'Mihail Chemiakin', vol.1, St Petersburg: Azbuka, 2014, p.31, no.26 illustrated

The work is executed on eight separate sheets which are mounted on canvas. There are two scuff marks in the top left panel with associated paint loss. There is a dent and scratch in the panel second from the left in the top row. There is a scratch in the panel second from the left in the bottom row. There are a few surface scratches in places elsewhere, some minor water stains in the lower right quadrant and a layer of light surface dirt. The corners are slightly worn and there are a few minor dents and scuff marks to the edges. Unframed.
The lot is sold in the condition it is in at the time of sale. The condition report is provided to assist you with assessing the condition of the lot and is for guidance only. Any reference to condition in the condition report for the lot does not amount to a full description of condition. The images of the lot form part of the condition report for the lot provided by Sotheby's. Certain images of the lot provided online may not accurately reflect the actual condition of the lot. In particular, the online images may represent colours and shades which are different to the lot's actual colour and shades. The condition report for the lot may make reference to particular imperfections of the lot but you should note that the lot may have other faults not expressly referred to in the condition report for the lot or shown in the online images of the lot. The condition report may not refer to all faults, restoration, alteration or adaptation because Sotheby's is not a professional conservator or restorer but rather the condition report is a statement of opinion genuinely held by Sotheby's. For that reason, Sotheby's condition report is not an alternative to taking your own professional advice regarding the condition of the lot.