Panayiotis “Takis” Vassilakis

(1925-2019)

Panayiotis Vassilakis born in 1925, known professionally fields of kinetic art and sculpture. Throughout his career, science, and technology. His innovative works, characterized international art scene.

Growing up in Athens, Takis developed a deep fascination engineering at the University of Athens before moving “Takis” as his artistic identity.

In the 1950s and 1960s, Takis began creating his pioneering materials, but it was his use of magnetism that became movement and interaction between the objects and

Takis’ sculptures, often referred to as “Signals,” consisted works demonstrated a harmonious integration of technology into the energy of the universe and create a bridge

Takis gained international recognition for his innovative worldwide. He participated in significant art movements, such as Jean Tinguely, Yves Klein, and Alexander Calder.

Takis’ influence on the art world extended beyond served as a platform for interdisciplinary collaborations today, promoting artistic innovation and education.

Throughout his long and prolific career, Takis received His artworks can be found in major museum collections, the Centre Pompidou in Paris. Takis passed away on on the field of kinetic art.

Vassilakis

professionally as “Takis”, was a prominent Greek artist known for his groundbreaking contributions to the career, Takis challenged conventional artistic practices and explored the relationship between art, characterized by their use of magnetism and motion, established him as a leading figure in the fascination with science and technology from a young age. He pursued studies in physics and moving to Paris in the early 1950s to pursue a career in art. It was there that he adopted the name pioneering works of art that combined art with scientific principles. He experimented with various became his signature. Takis incorporated magnets and electromagnets into his sculptures, allowing for and their environment. consisted of suspended objects, metal rods, and wires activated by magnetic forces. The resulting technology and art, inviting viewers to engage with the invisible forces at play. His art aimed to tap bridge between the material and the immaterial. innovative approach to art, and his works were exhibited in prestigious galleries and museums movements, including Nouveau RÉalisme and the Kinetic Art movement, alongside renowned artists Calder. his own creations. He founded the “Research Center of the Arts and Sciences” in 1986, which collaborations and exploration of the relationship between art and science. The center continues to operate education. received numerous accolades and honors, including the International Prize at the 1964 Venice Biennale. collections, including the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) in New York, the Tate Modern in London, and on August 9, 2019, in Athens, leaving behind a legacy of artistic innovation and a profound impact

74

Panayiotis “Takis” Vassilakis

(1925-2019)

“Signal,” circa 1967-1971 Steel and found objects, electrified Signed and inscribed in marker to the underside: Takis 113” H x 10” W x 10.125” D

$15,000-20,000

Provenance: Howard Wise Gallery, New York, NY David Wise and Audry Taylor, Los Angeles, CA, by descent from the above

75 Panayiotis “Takis” Vassilakis (1925-2019)

“Red Signal,” circa 1967-1971

Steel and found objects, electrified No. 26

Signed, titled, numbered, and inscribed in marker to the underside: Takis 73” H x 7” Dia.

$12,000-18,000

Provenance: Howard Wise Gallery, New York, NY

David Wise and Audry Taylor, Los Angeles, CA, by descent from the above

76

Panayiotis “Takis” Vassilakis (1925-2019)

“Blue Signal,” 1968 Steel and found objects, electrified No. 24

Signed, titled, dated, numbered, and inscribed in marker to the underside: Takis 72.25” H x 7” Dia.

$12,000-16,000

Provenance: Howard Wise Gallery, New York, NY David Wise and Audry Taylor, Los Angeles, CA, by descent from the above

77

Panayiotis “Takis” Vassilakis (1925-2019)

“Purple Dial,” also known as “The Purple Subway Drive,” circa 1969 Steel and found objects, electrified No. 9

Unsigned; titled by repute; hand-numbered in marker on tape affixed to the underside 30” H x 9” W x 12” D

$6,000-8,000

Provenance: Howard Wise Gallery, New York, NY David Wise and Audry Taylor, Los Angeles, CA, by descent from the above

Exhibitions: New York, Howard Wise Gallery, “Art: Whirring and Quivering Aplenty,” February 1969

Literature: Glueck, Grace. “Art: Whirring and Quivering Aplenty.” The New York Times, February 8, 1969.

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“Barbara Backstage in Ruth Ruth at the Pyramid” Gelatin silver print on paper

Signed, titled, and inscribed, verso: Peter / For Barbara, From Peter Image: 16.5” H x 12.5” W; Sheet: 20” H x 16” W

$4,000-6,000

Provenance: Howard Wise Gallery, New York, NY

David Wise and Audry Taylor, Los Angeles, CA, by descent from the above

Note: Previous to this work coming to auction, the Peter Hujar Archive only knew of 2 of these images to be in existence. This piece now makes 3.

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Arnold Newman (1919-2006)

Three Works

Portrait of the Wise Family

Gelatin silver print on photographic paper laid to mat board

From the edition of unknown size and date

Signed in pencil on the mat board just below the image, at right: Arnold Newman; the Arnold Newman ink address stamp on the verso; in the original paper wrapper with the artist’s blind embossed name in the lower right corner

Image/Sheet: 6.375” H x 9.75” W; Original paper wrapper: 17.125” H x 14.125” W

Portrait of Howard Wise

Gelatin silver print on photographic paper laid to mat board

From the edition of unknown size and date

Signed in pencil on the mat board just below the image, at right: Arnold Newman; the Arnold Newman ink address stamp on the verso; in the original paper wrapper with the artist’s blind embossed name in the lower right corner

Image/Sheet: 9.375” H 7.875” W; Original paper wrapper: 17.25” H x 14.25” W

Portrait of Howard Wise

Gelatin silver print on photographic paper laid to mat board

From the edition of unknown size and date

Signed in pencil on the mat board just below the image, at right: Arnold Newman; the Arnold Newman ink address stamp on the verso; in the original paper wrapper with the artist’s blind embossed name in the lower right corner

Image/Sheet: 9.75” H x 7.625” W; Original paper wrapper: 17.25” H x 14.25” W

3 pieces

$800-1,200

Gelatin silver print on paper

Unsigned Image/Sheet: 11” H x 10” W

$800-1,200

Provenance: Private Collection, California, acquired from the artist Private Collection, Los Angeles, CA, acquired from the above

81

“Woman in a Wheelchair,” 1977 Gelatin silver print on paper Signed, titled, and dated in pencil, verso: © Joel Peter Witkin

Image/Sheet: 14.125” H x 11” W

$1,500-2,500

Provenance: Private Collection, California, acquired from the artist Private Collection, Los Angeles, CA, acquired from the above

82

Imogen Cunningham (1883-1976)

“Rock at Big Sur,” 1964

Gelatin silver print on paper laid to mat board, as issued

From the edition of unknown size

Signed and dated in pencil on the mat board, directly below the image: Imogen Cunningham; dated again and titled on the artist’s studio label affixed to the verso of the mat board; the Strathmore brand mat board with the manufacturer’s blindstamp in the lower left corner

Image/Sheet: 11.25” H x 10.75” W; Original mat board support: 20” H x 15” W

$1,000-2,000

Provenance: The artist

Private collection, gift from the artist

Estate of the above, by descent to the present owner

Notes: According to the present owner, this photograph was gifted by the artist to her late husband. The latter apparently carried Cunningham down a rocky slope at Big Sur in the 1960s so that she could shoot this image. Additionally, there is a xmall S. F. M. A. (presumably San Francisco Museum of Art) paper label affixed to the verso of the mat board that includes a hand-written number 5-65-5 under the “Reg. No.” heading.

83 Judy Dater (b. 1941)

“Imogen and Twinka at Yosemite,” 1974

Gelatin silver print on paper laid to mat board, as issued

From the edition of unknown size

Signed and dated in pencil on the mat board, directly below the image, at right: Judy Dater; the artist’s black ink copyright stamp on the verso of the mat board

Image/Sheet: 9.375” H x 7.375” W

$2,000-3,000

84

Herb Ritts (1952-2002)

“Richard Gere,” 1982

Gelatin silver print on paper

Edition: Artist Proof

Appears unsigned; titled, dated, and inscribed in pencil verso: To John / “Merry Christmas” / Hawaii ‘82 / ... you are with me / as we are together - / today

12/25/82; with the artist’s copyright ink stamp verso

Image: 13.75” H x 9.25” W; Sheet: 14” H x 19.5” W

$5,000-7,000

Provenance: The Artist Private Collection, Washington D.C., a gift from the above

85

Peter Fischli (b. 1952) and David Weiss (b. 1946)

Untitled (“The Way Things Go”), 1985-1987

Chromogenic print on paper

Edition: 4/12

Signed and numbered in ink verso: F. + W.; titled and dated on a label affixed verso

Image/Sheet: 9.75” H x 13.875” W

$6,000-8,000

Provenance: Galerie D’art Art & Public, Geneva, Switzerland

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Helen Levitt (1918-2009)

“New York 1980 (spider girl),” 1980 Chromogenic print on paper

Signed, titled, and dated on a label affixed verso

Image: 9.625” H x 14.25” W; Sheet: 14.25” H x 17.875” W

$5,000-7,000

Provenance: Galerie Anne De Villepoix, Paris, France

87

Massimo Vitali (b. 1944)

“Knokke (from A Portfolio of Landscapes and Figures),” triptych, 2006 Offset lithographs in colors on paper

Figures at a beach

Edition: 10/20; each respectively numbered: 41, 42, 43

Each: With artist’s studio stamp, edition, and numbered verso

Each: 33.8” H x 27.5” W

$2,000-4,000

88

Eliot Porter (1901-1990 American)

“Portfolio II: Iceland,” twelve plates, 1972

The set of 12 dye-transfer photographs mounted to mat board, as issued Edition 62/110, of which only 100 were intended for sale

Each photographs’ mat board mount with Porter’s “Portfolio II: Iceland” black ink stamp, together with the plate [1-12] and set number [62] hand-written in red ink, verso. Printed in 1972, the series was published by the artist, Santa Fe, NM, in 1975

Image/Sheet: 10.5” H x 8” W (or opposite); Artist board support: 20” H x 15” W (or opposite)

$6,000-8,000

Notes: This lot is comprised of the set of 12 individually framed photographs. It does not include the signed and numbered colophon page or the blue clothcovered portfolio case in which the works were originally issued.

89

Slim Aarons (1916-2006)

“Poolside Gossip,” 1970

C-print on paper

Edition: 56/150

With the embossed estate-stamped signature and numbered in ink in the lower margin; with the Getty Images Archive blindstamp in the lower margin, at right; Getty Images Gallery, Los Angles, CA, pub.

Image: 38” H x 56.375” W; Sheet: 40” H x 60” W

$8,000-12,000

Literature: Aarons, Once Upon a Time, pp. 116-117

Notes: This lot is accompanied and sold together with a certificate of authenticity, with the artist’s printed signature, the stamped date, April 13, 2023, and an information sheet from, Gettyimage Gallery.

According to the information sheet from Gettyimages Gallery, this photograph depicts a desert house in Palm Springs designed by Richard Neutra for Edgar Kaufman. Lita Baron approaches on the right Neida Linsk, wife of art dealer Joseph Linsk who is talking to a friend, Helen Dzo Dzo.