Esoteric Survey

In October of 1992 LAMA had their first auction.  So on this, their 25th anniversary auction, it looks like they are offering up a little more of the modern classics than usual, including a lot of Eames!    It's safe to say that the Eames are a sentimental favorite for most modern dealers.  In the whole scheme of things it doesn't sell for all that much, but it truly is some of the greatest American Design. I love that LAMA keeps putting it in their sales.   The pair of 421 N  ESUs will most likely be the exception to the Eames not selling for a lot rule. These examples are as good as it gets. They are being sold individually, but it would be a shame if the same person doesn't buy both. Whatever they sell for, it will be a great deal because they should be worth double.  Now stuffed animal chairs on the other hand.... Funny things is the Campana Brothers chairs on the left are estimated at the exact same price as the ESUs above....

John McLaughlin (1898-1976) Paintings: Total Abstraction at LACMA The exhibition contains 52 pieces by the self taught Dana Point artist. 1949 There is a room of earlier paintings in the exhibition, like this one from 1949. This only a few years after he started painting full-time. It's a good painting, but he still isn't there. McLaughlin started painting in his 40s. He was heavily influenced by Japanese art and culture. Along with inheriting his uncle's Japanese art collection from his mother. In 1935 John moved to Japan for two years.  1950 He's getting there. 1951 and 1952 1952 This is when he nails it. McLaughlin said his goal, with rectangular compositions, was "to liberate the viewer from the tyranny of the object." 1953 1954 1965 1975 In addition to a superb catalogue, LACMA produced a short documentary.  See it here .   Along with Roy McMakin chairs in the ga...

Four Abstract Classicists Karl Benjamin, John McLaughlin, Frederick Hammersley, and Lorser Feitelson Photo: Gety Photo:  LAMA

California Hard Edge Painter John McLaughlin Image Source: Life Magazine via the Reform stacks