Lot 56: "Birth of an Empire"

Gary Baseman is a painter and illustrator whose works have appeared in numerous publications including The New Yorker and Rolling Stone. Referencing cartoon imagery, how-to-diagrams, and children’s books, his work blends a sense of whimsy with darker, moodier themes—wide-eyed devils, nymphs, skeletons, and beasts seem almost to float and frolic through his compositions, their apparent innocence in contrast with their inherent creepiness. In works like Speaking in Tongues (2005), he incorporates images from an extensive collection of vintage photographs into his paintings, infusing them with a sense of melancholic nostalgia.

40" x 20" (2 panels) before framing

Acrylic on Wood Panels

2008

Excellent

originally purchased from Copro Nason Gallery, from the 2009 Blab group show

Framed original painting