Matthew Steeples selects five of the best items on display at Multiplied at Christie’s
Multiplied 2013 at Christie’s is a fair that showcases contemporary art in editions from a range of international galleries. Unlike Frieze and PAD, prices start at a much lower level. Entry is free and here we showcase five of the best works on display:
Life on a pinball
With hints of the design of a pinball machine to it, Mexican artist Pedro Reyes’s Key to the Museum of Hypothetical Lifetimes is a work that encourages those who look at it to examine themselves. Reyes divides our lives up into twenty-two distinct stages ranging from “The Cradle” through “Playspace (Shrinking)” to “Death” and “The Key”. An edition of forty, the Whitechapel Gallery is selling the work for £995.
Redefining BoJo and “Call me Dave”
Printmaker Alexander Massouras displays his Camerondias and The Sun King works on Julian Page Fine Art’s stand. Combining what the Financial Times described as “beautifully etched teases of David Cameron and Boris Johnson accompanied by verses from poet Luke Wright”, these clever satirical works could be compared to a modern day take on Leslie Ward’s Spy series. Priced at just £600 for an unframed pair, the works of rising star Massouras are most definitely worth buying now.
The Remains of the Pier
Kingsland Road’s Flowers Gallery’s stand includes several works by photographer Simon Roberts from his Pierdom series of Britain’s piers. Priced at £5,830, this particular image features Clevedon Pier – setting for several scenes in Merchant Ivory’s 1993 film The Remains of the Day starring Anthony Hopkins and Emma Thompson. A hardbook featuring the photographs is available for £35 whilst a special edition complete with a signed limited edition print is priced at £220.
Sins of Our Leaders
Senzo Shabangu moved to Johannesburg in 2006 with the aim of becoming a pilot but ended up a printmaker. His works explore the historical narratives and everyday social issues of his country and at Multiplied, David Krut Projects displays a stunning example of his work titled Sins of Our Leaders. The linocut is priced at £800 unframed and is an edition of ten.
Drowning in whisky
McLean’s Artists Malts combine art and whisky with their limited edition creation by Turner Prize nominee Laure Prouvost. As well as a labeled bottle of whisky, purchasers get a soundtrack and a work titled: “Please sit here to drown your sorrow”. Priced at £1,000 excluding VAT, the company anticipate working with Harrods on other projects in the next year.
Multiplied 2013 is at Christie’s, 85 Old Brompton Road, London, SW7 3LD from 18th to 21st October.
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The historical narratives and social issues of South Africa are best explored by South African satirist, social activist, playwright, author and part time drag queen Pieter Dirk Uys. His book Election and Erections was hilarious and had me laughing out loud. A couple of years ago, I made the journey to Herne Bay in Kent to see his show, and was not disappointed. A friend forwarded a 1980’s DVD of a Pieter Dirk Uys comedy farce “Adapt or Die” His portrayal of former South African President PW Botha was the funniest comedy sketch, I have ever seen. Jacob Zuma is a colourful and amusing character, and Pieter has enough material to keep him going for decades.