Auction announcements
12th May 2016Lot 47: The correct title of this piece is Spencer Finch, ‘Moonlight’, Fluorescent Light bulb, 2003.

‘Moonlight (Luna Country, New Mexico, July 13), 2003’
Neon light bulb and light filters
USA & Holland, 2003
Spencer Finch (b. 1962) – American artist
Published by Cabinet Magazine, Brooklyn, NY
From an edition of 100
Signed by the artist and numbered on the accompanying certificate of authenticity label with documentation from the publisher
Dimensions: 3 x 24 x 3 in. (7.6 x 61 x 7.6 cm)
Very good, working condition
Estimate: $5,000-$7,000

Spencer Finch is best known for his electric light installations that mimic the quality of natural light. He recreates these light conditions using a variety of materials from TV sets, watercolor paints, household fans and fluorescent tubes. ‘Moonlight’ is a colored fluorescent light, a limited edition work published by Cabinet Magazine, Brooklyn, New York. It was produced as a benefit edition in support of the magazine in 2003. The piece was inspired by the natural landscape of a half acre piece of land in Luna County, NM. The magazine purchased this land to commemorate its’ spring issue, the subject of which explored the concept of ‘property’. The artist chose to make a ‘nightlight’ edition and incorporate nine colors that range from magenta to indigo tones. These colors replicate the natural color of Luna County’s moonlight. The bulb can be replaced when necessary as described on accompanying publisher’s description of the project. Care and maintenance for the work has been carefully considered and set out in accompanying publisher’s letter. This limited edition has long since sold out from the publisher.

Spencer Finch (b. New Haven, Connecticut; 1962)

Using a diverse range of medium to investigate the ways in which history, memory, and sensory perception conflate and mutually influence, Spencer Finch is best known for ethereal light installations that visualize his experience of natural phenomena. His investigations into the nature of light, color, memory and perception proceed in watercolors, drawings, video and photographs. Finch distills his observations of the world into glowing abstract color but also diverts them through cultural and historical filters. He observes, documents, and studies with scientific precision (often using a colorimeter) the color and light effects of specific locations, much in the manner of Impressionist Claude Monet, whom he considers a major influence on his work. Spencer Finch has a BA in Comparative Literature from Hamilton College, Clinton, New York (1985) and an MFA in Sculpture from the Rhode Island School of Design (1989). Solo exhibitions include Marfa Contemporary, USA (2014), Indianapolis Museum of Art, Indiana (2013), the Art Institute of Chicago (2011), Massachusetts Museum of Contemporary Art, North Adams (2007) and Portikus, Frankfurt am Main, Germany (2003). He participated in the Folkestone Triennial, UK (2011) and the 53rd Venice Biennale (2009).

Condition

In overall very good, working condition.

Shipping costs excl. statutory VAT and plus 2,5% (+VAT) shipping insurance.