Selections from the
GLORIA LURIA COLLECTION
Heather James Fine Art is proud to present selections from the collection of Gloria Luria. Luria is a pioneer of the art scene in Miami and Florida, for her collection and for her art gallery. She introduced into the region artists that are today considered icons of art history: Pat Steir, David Hockney, Andy Warhol, Arakawa, Helen Frankenthaler, Joan Mitchell, Robert Rauschenberg, James Rosenquist, Larry Rivers, Claes Oldenburg, and many more. The selected works from this landmark collection can be approached in many ways from a simple cataloguing of artists which would become a who’s who of art history: Lynda Benglis, Alexander Calder, Carlos Cruz-Diez, Sol LeWitt. Another approach would be to list the works in chronological order which would give us a key glimpse to art history from the 1970s to the 1990s. Starting with the abstract, welded sculptures of Anthony Caro, we can travel to the pop figuration of George Segal and Larry Rivers before ending on the conceptual and abstract painting of Pat Steir. But, paradoxically, if we were to take a step back, we are able to dig deeper by confronting certain important questions: What does it mean to collect? How does collecting shape not just artists but the collector as well? Gloria Luria molded a fledgling art scene through her collecting. First, in providing a foundation of pioneering artists by promoting them. Secondly, her collecting provided a space within which their works could be received and understood by new audiences. Luria’s collecting habits also showcase the increasing globalization of the art world. Landmark abstract British sculptor Anthony Caro sits side-by-side with Southern American abstract artist Ida Kohlmeyer. American Pop artist Larry rivers exists next to Australian immigrant and minimalist sculptor Clement Meadmore. The act of collecting follows a single narrative line, that is to say, one acquisition followed by the next. However, the collection as a sum is not linear, it is a fabric field composed of threads connecting the artworks and artists thematically and historically. Collecting and collections are multivalent – to speak of one idea or theme, to pick up one thread of curiosity is simultaneously to understand and speak of another interpretation. Thus, when we speak about the collection itself – the artworks, the artists, its influences – we should also understand how collecting and collections shape the collector. As Luria once said, “Best of all, the paintings let me dream.” These artworks are not just exemplary pieces by important artists, but are part of a landmark and storied collection, and carry with them this history. Luria has dedicated her life to fostering a thriving culture in the region from being a founding member and president of the Art Dealers Association of South Florida to helping bring the art fair, Art Miami, to the Miami Beach Convention Center. Her philanthropic generosity also extends to the performing arts, helping support Tanglewood and the Boston Symphony Orchestra, and the Adrienne Arsht Center for the Performing Arts and the New World Symphony.
Selections from the GLORIA LURIA COLLECTION
Alexander Calder (1898-1976) Bug-Eyed Beastie
Signed and dated lower right, “69 Calder” gouache on paper 29 1/4 x 43 in. 1969 PROVENANCE: Collection of Gloria Luria, Miami, Florida
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Selections from the GLORIA LURIA COLLECTION
Carlos Cruz-Diez (1923-2019) Physichromie No 1051
Signed verso, “C D” serigraph on aluminum, slats in stainless steel 39 5/8 x 59 3/8 x 1 5/8 in. 1976 PROVENANCE: Collection of Gloria Luria, Miami, Florida
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Selections from the GLORIA LURIA COLLECTION
Robert Goodnough (1917-2010) 7-4 Emerge
Signed lower right, “Goodnough ‘89” and titled verso, “Title “7-4 Emerge” acrylic & oil Good nough 64” x 132” 1989” oil on canvas 64 x 132 1/2 in. 1989 PROVENANCE: Collection of Gloria Luria, Miami, Florida, acquired directly from the artist
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Selections from the GLORIA LURIA COLLECTION
Nancy Graves (1939-1995) Exquadra
Signed verso, “N. S. Graves ‘82” and titled verso, “ “Exquadra” 11-’82 Oil/Canvas 96” x 96” “ oil on canvas 96 x 96 in. 1982 PROVENANCE: Collection of Gloria Luria, Miami, Florida, acquired directly from the artist EXHIBITED: Center For The Fine Arts, Miami, Florida. Abstraction: A Tradition of Collecting in Miami. November 13, 1994 - January 15, 1995
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Selections from the GLORIA LURIA COLLECTION
Nancy Graves (1939-1995) Untitled
Signed verso, “N.S. Graves ‘77 ‘TLIK’ 44x96 o/c” acrylic on canvas 44 x 96 in. 1977 PROVENANCE: Collection of Gloria Luria, Miami, Florida, acquired directly from the artist
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Selections from the GLORIA LURIA COLLECTION
Larry Rivers (1923-2002) Beyond Camel
Signed lower right, “Larry Rivers ‘80” acrylic on canvas 98 3/4 x 79 1/4 in. 1980 PROVENANCE: Collection of Gloria Luria, Miami, Florida, acquired directly from the artist LITERATURE: Architectural Digest May 1984 “Orchestrating for Fine Art” page 162 in an article about Gloria & Leonard Luria’s fine art collection and home
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Selections from the GLORIA LURIA COLLECTION
James Rosenquist (1933-2017)
Vanity Unfair for Gordon Matta Clark Signed verso of each panel, “James Rosenquist 1978” acrylic on canvas 62 3/4 x 43 x 2 3/4 in. 1978 PROVENANCE: Collection of Gloria Luria, Miami, Florida
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Selections from the GLORIA LURIA COLLECTION
Ludwig Sander (1906-1975) Mongohela
Signed and dated verso, “Sander 72” oil on canvas 54 x 60 in. 1972 PROVENANCE: Collection of Gloria Luria, Miami, Florida, acquired directly from the artist
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Selections from the GLORIA LURIA COLLECTION
Pat Steir (b. 1940)
Chrysanthemum
oil on canvas 60 x 180 in.; 60 x 60 in. ea. 1978 PROVENANCE: Collection of Gloria Luria, Miami, Florida, acquired directly from the artist
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Selections from the GLORIA LURIA COLLECTION
Tom Wesselmann (1931-2004) Partial Monica with Hat and Beads Signed verso, “Wesselmann 89” enamel on laser-cut steel 33 x 34 in. 1985/89 1 of 3, each uniquely painted PROVENANCE: Collection of Gloria Luria, Miami, Florida
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Selections from the GLORIA LURIA COLLECTION
Jack Youngerman (1926-2020) White Open Round
Signed on verso, “White Open Round Youngerman 1971” oil on canvas 72 in. diameter 1971 PROVENANCE: Collection of Gloria Luria, Miami, Florida, acquired directly from the artist
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