Howard Arkley sells 150k over estimated sale price

Good art has ceased to be a key element in recent times, that is, it has lost its economic value. Postmodern art and popular culture have taken over the market, leaving behind the most invaluable works of history. However, an auction by Sotheby's in Sydney revealed that investors have returned to the local art market, as the event raised a total of $ 8.96 million, which means that there are still people who are passionate about the true art, and much better than that, for the art of his Australian land.

Among the most prominent authors we find an icon of contemporary art in Australia and the whole world, yes, as the title of this article says, this is Howard Arkley, famous for works such as: Shadow Factories, Triple Fronted, Residence with Gate, Tattoed Head, Riteroom, House & Car, Freeway and more.

The works of this artist - one of the most important in Australia - were estimated between 400,000 and 500,000 dollars; however, the demand gave us a pleasant surprise, as this Arkley collection was placed at the end of the auction at $ 646,600, a record figure for the late author.

The works characterized by Howard's aerodynamic lines put the investors to take more of the estimated account, because the eagerness to own these paintings was in its maximum boom. Recall that Howard Arkley passed away in 1999, and have already passed more than 18 years, which indicates a rise in value in his paintings, which a few years ago were below the estimated figure.

But is this Arkley's posthumous success due to his deceased years? It seems to be one of the most incidental factors, because, when an author exceeds 20 years of death, his works start to be quoted at extraordinary levels. However, it is difficult to think that this is the only reason, because if we analyze the auction and the social factor better, we can reach the answer we want.

We started with the work that made the most money, the one with the signature of Sir Arthur Streeton. The collection is called "Sydney Harbor, 1907" and earned a total of $ 2,074,000, a grandiose figure without a doubt. But Sir Arthur would not only stay with the best amount of the night, he would also get the third highest-priced work, which is "The Murray and The Mountain, 1930" selling for $ 915,000, more than 350% above its top estimate of $ 200,000. Another work of this author that also surpassed the initial expectations was "Melbourne from Afar, 1920", which sold for 170,800 dollars, well above its estimate of 80,000 to 120,000 dollars.

Brett Whiteley's "The Robin and the Moon, 1981," which sold for $ 1,098,000, was well above the high estimate of $ 800,000. On the other hand. Charles Blackman's "Tryst, 1959" sold for $ 402,600, with $ 200,000-300,000 being estimates. Another author who also featured on the set was Albert Tucker with "Explorer and Bird, 1968", which received $ 597,800 at a higher estimate of $ 350,000.

Aboriginal painter Albert Namatjira also had his surprise momentum in the demand, with his work "Finke River Mission" and Mount Hermannsburg, 1951 ", with which obtained $ 122,000, a result much higher than the estimate of $ 80,000-100,000.

Arthur Boyd's grandmother, Emma Minnie Boyd came to get about 360% gain above what was estimated, setting a new auction record. His work "A Lassie Yet, 1888" sold for $ 170,800, while its estimate value was wavering between $ 30,000- $ 50,000.

Well, we already know which were the works with greater demand, being "Mod Style, 1992" - painting of Howard Arkley - the fourth best sold, with 646,600 dollars. It can be noticed that the result was much better than expected in the auction in general, because all the works were sold above the estimated price, which means that financial support and financial investment is returning to the art market, a market that needs this type of events to reach its peak.

With this analysis of the auction in general we can conclude that one of the factors that most influenced the skyrocketing demand for painting by Howard Arkley was this new interest that has been shown by Australian investors, a fairly important reason, because, as each work received more than estimated, the following events of this type could mean a resounding success, both in sales and in public.

Sotheby's President in Australia, Geoffrey Smith, said many of the works were put up for auction for the first time. "It represents continued strength and confidence in the Australian art market," Smith said of the result.

Howard Arkley has always been among the best in the history of his country, an achievement that has allowed him to be in these auctions always shining with maximum brilliance. The impression of this author prevails and the auction held that night keeps that phrase alive, it is only to be expected if the following auctions continue to maintain the same splendor, which is foreseen with clarity.

Australia has become a country full of good art, and all its shows have demonstrated, filling galleries with classic and contemporary paintings, filling culture and education with its inhabitants, and causing curiosity in the world. International looks now seem to focus on the country of kangaroos, as the exuberant investment in education has paid off and today more than ever, art has an Australian signature.

It should be noted that the works of Sir Arthur Streeton will be presented next year at the National Gallery of London, and there is no better motivating factor than the prices acquired during the night of the auction. On the other hand, Howard Arkley must be happy from his grave, because his art has revalued to grandiose levels, giving of which to speak in the whole planet.

The Australian government has been one of the main promoters to raise the country's artistic frame, generating culture and awareness about the importance and value of art in general.