As LAMA focuses more on fine art, we still proudly
versa) and this auction has a wonderful assortment of
continue to source most of our offerings from local es-
our great local heroes, each of whom played a part in
tates and hidden private collections. Many of the works
advancing new ideas in contemporary art. A painting
offered herein have never been on the resale market or
by John McLaughlin which hasn’t been on public display
at least haven’t been seen in public for a generation or
since his retrospective at the Corcoran Gallery of Art in
more. In this auction we are exceptionally proud to offer
1969, is truly a great re-discovery. Ken Price’s Groota,
a group of vintage artworks from a special Southern Cal-
an iconic two-piece sculpture from 1985 epitomizes
ifornia collection created in the very early 1970’s. The
his ability to elevate the humble medium of clay to new
highlight of which is a superb example of the Brazilian
heights. Early graphics by Ed Ruscha also raised the bar
artist Sergio Camargo’s geometric relief period. Untilted
for what was possible in the medium of prints. A semi-
(Relief No. 261) was purchased from the venerable Gim-
nal painting by Vija Celmins, Untitled (Shoes), makes its
pel Fils Gallery in London shortly after it was construct-
public debut at LAMA and we are so proud to be devel-
ed and has been hanging in the same spot on a Southern
oping a reputation for presenting her early work from
California collector’s wall for nearly a half century.
her time in Los Angeles. And we are equally dedicated to
Other surprises from this collection include the scarce
presenting groundbreaking works by Joe Goode, Billy Al
stalactite dining table from Paul Evans, a rare sculpture
Bengston, Chuck Arnoldi, Mary Corse, Barbara Kruger,
by Jean Arp, and two ceramics by Pablo Picasso.
and Sam Francis, all of whom have also brought critical thought to the advancement of contemporary ideas in
From another long time local collection comes an im-
the arts.
pressive group of New York Pop school works hitting the block for the first time. Prints, drawings, and a unique
Of course, we are still just as enthusiastic about modern
collage on paper by Andy Warhol, leads the group that
and contemporary design, even if it is becoming increas-
also includes works by Roy Lichtenstein, Keith Haring,
ingly scarce. Special examples by Gertrud and Otto Nat-
and Jean-Michel Basquiat among several others. This
zler, George Nakashima, and the Campana brothers are
collection has been painstakingly constructed over
a few of the unique works that highlight our collection of
decades and was highly curated by a local passionate
classic decorative arts.
couple. As always, we hope you will come and experience all of Artists from Los Angeles have of course been a tre-
these works in person before they disappear from public
mendous part of LAMA’s growth (and perhaps vice
view once again. Peter Loughrey, Director