About Ben Mahmoud Expertise Questions regarding "the business of the arts (ie.artist/dealer relations).
Questions regarding the collecting of contemporary art.
Please keep in mind that I am not a professional appraiser, however, I can direct interested parties to sources of information.
Experience 40 years as professor of art, Northern Illinois University
Curator of University Art Collection (responsible for purchase and care).
Member of the board of directors, Illinois Arts Council.
Juror of many competitions.
See vitae: http://benmahmoud.com/resume.html
Publications Many conference proceedings.
"Advice to Young Artists in a Postmodern Era" with William Dunning, Syracuse University Press, 2000.
Education/Credentials MFA, Ohio University, 1960
Awards and Honors See vitae: http://http://benmahmoud.com/resume.html
I have two Artist proof screen prints purchased in Chicago. I need help identifying the artist name. Can you help?
Image one is titled "Way Home" 1975 IMP The image is of a winter scene along a rolling Farm road, likely in the upper midwest could be of Wis, Dells or Door County. But only guessing. it is a 3 color print 30 x 20. (landscape)
The second screen print is titled "Beach 1" 1977 IMP I.C.M. Its a beach scene likely of one of the great lakes. This is a two color print, brilliant red water and deep navy blue beach and trees. Screen print is 30 x 20 (portrait)
Help identifying artist signature on artist proof prints.
The Signature
First name:
appears to be Ab on "way Home"
Appears to be Albert on "Beach 1"
Last Name: (having difficulty with this one)
first letter is likely a "D", but could be a "G", with a small chance of it being a "J".
the next sequence of letters could be an U or N or V
there is an I in there as well given the dot that appears in both.
Last 3 letters are "la" followed by an "n" or "v".
Google was of no help.
I would like to find more works by this artist given the strong graphic quality in the works.
how can I upload an image, or can I email you the images?
Thanks
Chris
ANSWER: I lived and worked as an artist in the Chicago area for about 40 years. In that time, I did not encounter an artist or screen prints as you describe in the major galleries downtown. My guess is that the works got to the area Chicago via one of the art fairs.
In my time there, I was asked to judge many art fairs, and my memories recalls a great number of art-fair artists working in the mode you describe, yet I can not recollect any names.
I have, as you, no doubt, have, searched the web for some reference. Nothing came up that seemed to relate to the works you describe.
One thought comes to mind: where did you buy the prints? From a gallery or private party? If it came from a gallery they are bound by certain state laws to provide the buyer with documentation. Lacking the documentation, I suspect your purchase was from a private party.
I am very sorry that I have been of no help to you in this matter. As you know the numbers of artists are legion.
Good luck in your search.
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QUESTION: Thanks for your quick responce.
I have attached a link with the images if that should be of any help.
ANSWER: Thanks for the images. They confirm my feeling that they are at the hand of an art-fair artist. I have tried every possible combination of letters, and I get nothing. If this person had any work in any museum it would have come up.
I have posed your question to several Chicago artists who have seen a great many prints. No luck there either.
It seems that the screen prints are not numbered, which means that they are part of an unlimited edition. That would lower there value.
If you enjoy the prints, sit back and live with them.
Sorry I could not be of more help.
Regards,
Ben Mahmoud
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QUESTION: 2 Quick and final Question.
Are artist proofs numbered? I have heard that they are more prized than numbered editions. I did not photograph the artist proof but both are not numbered
I found the items at an antique mall hidden behind a case called the dealer from the front desk and picked both prints up for less than 50 dollars. dealer bought the items at an antique sale and keep one additional of the Beach scene for her collection.
Thanks for your insight. do you have a favorite artist fair in Chicago?
Chris
Answer Typically artist's proofs are not numbered. Often the artist proof is made in the process of making the final print. Much like having a look at what is going on with the print. I have not found that an artist's proof is more valuable than a print from the edition. Sometimes, they are not worth as much since they do not represent (sometimes) the final print. Having said that, there are many ways an artist regards the process of print making. Some artists retain a few prints from the edition as their own (not for sale). Some make a few prints before they start numbering the prints, and these they keep for themselves.
You got a bargain. The frames are worth more than you paid.
The best art fair in the Chicago area is the Old Orchard Art Fair. The reason it is the best is because an artist has to present their work to a jury (usually three people). This is to insure the highest standards of quality and originality. Then, there is a lot of prize money, and that attracts the better artists.
But let me say this: the art one buys from an art fair is of a different nature than the art purchased at a reputable gallery. If I were simply looking for something I liked, I might be something from an art fair. But if I were looking for a work of art that had greater depth, and longer lasting value, I would go to the galleries. And Chicago has a lot of really fine galleries. Most are on Superior St. about 4 or 5 blocks west of Michigan Av.
Again, I hope that I have been of some help to you.
