ART MARKET
OH LA LA!
THE LALANNES
Why are the collectors willing to pay any price?
Reporter; Nazli Kok
Francois-Xaivier and Claude Lalanne,Photo Bruno Barbey, Credit Magnum photos.Courtesy of Sotheby's
Ostriches are among the most distinctive and unusual birds on the planet. They are striking examples of the diversity and strangeness of the avian kingdom. There is no single way to be a bird!
The Lalannes' Ostrich Bar set a new auction record on 20 May at Sotheby's in Paris, despite the uncertain economic climate of the art market. An 11-minute bidding war resulted in a final bid of €11.1 million!
Buyers from all over the world are charmed by the whimsical, nature-inspired works of the French artists François-Xavier and Claude Lalanne. Their zoophile, surreal and joyful sculptures have never been more popular in the art market.
Why are "The Lalannes" in such high demand?
“The Lalanne market knows no borders. It really is collected by every community and culture,” says Edith Dicconson the executive director of NY Kasmin Gallery, which has represented Francois-Xavier and Claude Lalanne in US since 2007.
In October 2023, Christie's auctioned François-Xavier Lalanne's Rhinocretaire I (1966) in Paris. It is sold for €18.3 million, setting a record price and marking a historic moment. This brass rhinoceros contains a desk, a safe, a bar, and a wine storage area, as well as hidden compartments.
Francois-Xaivier Lalanne, Rhinocretaire I, (1964), Unique piece. Patineted brass, patinated bronze, zinc, brass, silvered brass, leather, one key. Courtesy of Christie's images limited 2023.
The Rhinocretaire I was the first sculpture that François-Xavier is known to have created after retiring from painting in 1963. This unique piece reflects the vital link between the artist and their native France.
"There is a strong link between Paris and Lalanne", says Agathe de Bazin, who is responsible for sales in the Design Department at Christie's in Paris, "It tells the story of the french artistic world, and we know this rings a bell for collectors" she said.
Francois-Xaivier Lalanne , Photographed by Philppe Lalanne.
Is it a bar or a sculpture ?
When it comes to Francois-Xaivier Lalanne's Ostrich Bar, It's both!
Masterminded by the French artist in 1965 the piece embodies his whimsical and surrealist flair, without lacking the utility. The functional sculpture features two porcelain ostriches gripping along a long metal shelf by their beaks and its center sits a white egg. The animals articulated wings can be lifted to reveal compartments for glasses and bottles, while the egg is intended to hold ice cubes.
Francois-Xaivier Lalanne, Ostrich Bar, (1967-1968) ,Courtesy of Sotheby's
“For me, the Ostrich Bar is the perfect embodiment of the art of living and the free, joyful spirit of the 60s and 70s. More than a piece of furniture, its an ode to fantasy, humor and imagination.” Cecile Tajan The auction house’s head said.
Francois-Xaivier Lalanne, YSL Bar, (1965), Courtesy of Christie's
Lalanne's functional sculptures are an ode to fantasy, humor and imagination.
Lalanne's significant success in the art world stems from a combination of factors, the main ones being their unique approach, their well-managed sales strategy and the support of influential figures in the art world.
Francois-Xaivier Lalanne, Singe Avisé, 2005, in "The Lalanne Trianon" at the Palace of Versaille,2021. Photo by Capucine de Cabaneix. Courtesy of Galerie Mitterrand.
Their innovative fusion of sculpture and functional design, which combined a sense of whimsy and surrealism, resonated with collectors and the public alike. Unique fantastic style of the Lalanne’s work particularly their “zoophites” and sculpture furniture pieces like Rhinocretaire and moutons of laine, standout for their originality and combination of functional and artistic elements.
Claude Lalanne, Choupatte, (2000), Courtesy of Christie's
“Les Lalanne are the most important sculptors after Giacometti because they had a unique concept of sculptures that you can use. That was the revolution in sculpture. It was understood as design, but infact it's a sculpture. It was a kind of crime against the school of sculpture. They brought use to every work, making mirrors, candelabras, chairs, and tables, but in fact they never created for the function. It’s not easy to use a Lalanne work you have to transform your way of using a fork, desk, or seat” said Jean-Gabriel Mitterrand is the owner of Gallery Mitterrand, which has represented the Lalannes in France since the 1980s.
Francois-Xaivier and Claude Lalanne, Photographed by Philppe Lalanne.
The Lalannes gained international recognition through collaboration with influential dealers who helped introduce their work to US and Asian market.
During periods of uncertainty and crisis, collectors tend to invest in rare and joyful pieces of art. They are willing to pay a high prices for the rare pieces that resonate with them the most.
Lalane's playful and joyful sculptures have a unique style that transcends cultural boundaries, appealing to collectors of all ages and backgrounds.
A French touch is always a good idea!
Nazli Kok Art Reports
Comments
Post a Comment