Menzies Art Brands
Last week, Menzies Art Brands in Sydney hosted the first major art sale of the year. There were plenty of high-profile artists work on offer, including significant pieces from Brett Whitely, Del Kathryn Barton, John Brack, Jeffrey Smart. All signature works all sold within or just below their estimate range, despite predictions of compromised buyer confidence due to consecutive days of stock market falls in the lead up to the sale and the further economic impacts due to the escalating fear of the coronavirus.
However, there were some significant prices realised on the night, including hammer prices which fell well above estimates for works by Adam Cullen, Robert Malherbe and Reko Rennie.
One of the more notable sales included a large oil by Tasmanian artist Geoff Dyer, from his 2019 Tasmanian Summer Series. This was a sister painting to a work exhibited through Despard Gallery last year as part of Dyer’s noteworthy July solo exhibition, Overview. ‘Tasmanian Summer I’ is a work that was the same size as the piece that was recently sold through Menzies (152 x 183 cm), although the price difference is noteworthy. A work of this scale has previously sold for $33,500.00 through Despard Gallery but soared above its estimate rage to realise a price over $44,000.00 (incl buyers premium).
This is a record for Dyer at auction and is a clear indicator of how his work is being recognised as a growing player in the secondary market. We congratulate Geoff on this important achievement and look forward to announcing further records and providing guidance around investment opportunities for our clients.
More visually powerful oils from Dyer’s now poignant Tasmanian Summer Series are available to view at Despard Gallery, including three important works, each being 122 x 183 cm. More details below.
GEOFF DYER Tasmanian Summer II 2019 Oil on linen 122 x 183cm $29,750
GEOFF DYER Tasmanian Summer IV 2019 Oil on linen 122 x 183cm $29,750
GEOFF DYER Tasmanian Summer III 2019 Oil on linen 122 x 183cm $29,750