Sean Micka
Fine Silver and Extraordinary Diamonds from the Estate of an Important Collection, 2019
Josée Bienvenu Gallery, New York
Installation view

Sean Micka
Fine Silver and Extraordinary Diamonds from the Estate of an Important Collection, 2019
Josée Bienvenu Gallery, New York
Installation view

Sean Micka
Fine Silver and Extraordinary Diamonds from the Estate of an Important Collection, 2019
Josée Bienvenu Gallery, New York
Installation view

Sean Micka
Fine Silver and Extraordinary Diamonds from the Estate of an Important Collection, 2019
Josée Bienvenu Gallery, New York
Installation view

Sean Micka
Fine Silver and Extraordinary Diamonds from the Estate of an Important Collection, 2019
Josée Bienvenu Gallery, New York
Installation view

Sean Micka
Fine Silver and Extraordinary Diamonds from the Estate of an Important Collection, 2019
Josée Bienvenu Gallery, New York
Installation view

Sean Micka
Fine Silver and Extraordinary Diamonds from the Estate of an Important Collection, 2019
Josée Bienvenu Gallery, New York
Installation view

Sean Micka
Fine Silver and Extraordinary Diamonds from the Estate of an Important Collection, 2019
Josée Bienvenu Gallery, New York
Installation view

Sean Micka, Fine Silver and Extraordinary Diamonds from the Estate of an Important Collection, 2019, Installation View

Sean Micka
Fine Silver and Extraordinary Diamonds from the Estate of an Important Collection, 2019
Josée Bienvenu Gallery, New York
Installation view

Sean Micka, Fine Silver and Extraordinary Diamonds from the Estate of an Important Collection, 2019, Installation View

Sean Micka, Fine Silver and Extraordinary Diamonds from the Estate of an Important Collection, 2019, Installation View

Sean Micka, Fine Silver and Extraordinary Diamonds from the Estate of an Important Collection, 2019, Installation View

Sean Micka

KATHRYN ALLEN WAIT WELDON (1908-1997), Fine Jewels, Silver, Decorative Art and Paintings, Property of Various Owners, including Property from the Estate of Kathryn A. Weldon, SOTHEBY’S, (123 WELDON)., 2019

Charcoal on Paper

14h x 11w in
35.56h x 27.94w cm

Sean Micka

WILLIAM A. MCCARTY-COOPER (1936-1991), Important Furniture, Silver, Books and Decorative Arts from the Collection of William A. McCarty-Cooper, New York Saturday, January 25, 1992. CHRISTIE’S, (ORIOLE-7402), 2019

Charcoal on Paper

14h x 11w in
35.56h x 27.94w cm

 

Sean Micka

• 608 EXTRAODINARY FANCY PINK DIAMOND RING, Of marquise shape, weighing 5.65 carats, within a simple mounting. Unmounted in illustration. Accompanied by G.I.A. report no. 8530078 stating that the diamond is Fancy Pink, Natural Color and Internally Flawless. Estimate on request. EXTRAORDINARY JEWELS, New York, April 10 and 11, 1995, SOTHEBY’S, New York (Sale Code: 6685 SPECTRUM)., 2018

Oil on Canvas

24h x 24w in
60.96h x 60.96w cm

 

Sean Micka

• 548 FINE FANCY BLUE DIAMOND, The round diamond weighing .90 carat, unmounted. Accompanied by G.I.A. report no. 8337297 stating that the diamond is Fancy Blue, Natural Color and VS1 clarity. $45,000-50,000. MAGNIFICENT JEWELRY, October 20 and 21, 1993, SOTHEBY’S, New York (Sale Code: 6479-REX), 2017

Oil on canvas

24h x 24w in
60.96h x 60.96w cm

 

Sean Micka

• 449 THE PORTER RHODES DIAMOND, Magnificent Jewelry, Sotheby’s New York, Tuesday, October 20, 1987. 5619 “PAUL”, 2017

Oil on canvas

36h x 36w in
91.44h x 91.44w cm

 

Sean Micka

• 577 IMPORTANT FANCY BLUE DIAMOND RING, Extraordinary Jewels, SOTHEBY’S, New York, April 10 and 11, 1995. 6685 SPECTRUM, 2018

Oil on canvas

24h x 24w in
60.96h x 60.96w cm

 

Sean Micka

• 578 IMPORTANT FANCY PINK DIAMOND RING, Extraordinary Jewels, SOTHEBY’S, New York, April 10 and 11, 1995. 6685 SPECTRUM, 2018

Oil on canvas

24h x 24w in
60.96h x 60.96w cm

 

Sean Micka

• 193 UNMOUNTED PEAR-SHAPED FANCY GRAY DIAMOND, Magnificent Jewels, CHRISTIE’S, New York, Wednesday, April 20, 1988. 6578 LYON, 2018

Oil on canvas

24h x 24w in
60.96h x 60.96w cm

 

Sean Micka

• 578A IMPORTANT FANCY COLORED DIAMOND RING, The emerald-cut diamond of fancy purplish-pink color weighing 4.92 carats, within a simple white gold mounting. Unmounted in illustration. Accompanied by G.I.A. report no. 8450635 stating that the diamond is Fancy Purplish-Pink, Natural Color and VVS2 clarity. $1,000,000-1,200,000. EXTRAORDINARY JEWELS, New York, April 10 and 11, 1995, SOTHEBY’S, New York (Sale Code: 6685 SPECTRUM)., 2018

Oil on Canvas

24h x 24w in
60.96h x 60.96w cm

 

Sean Micka

• 334 FINE CEYLAN SAPPHIRE, Important Jewelry, and Rare & Exotic Gemstones, Antiqorium Auctioneers, New York, Grand Havana Room, Thursday, September 30, 1999., 2018

Oil on canvas

24h x 24w in
60.96h x 60.96w cm

 

Sean Micka

• 453 THE LESOTHO III DIAMOND, HARRY WINSTON, The marque-shaped diamond weighing 40.42 carats, flanked by tapered baguette diamonds weighing approximately 1.50 carats, mounted in platinum, signed Winston. Together a brooch attachment (diamonds detaches from ring mounting). Accompanied by G.I.A. report no 8682475 stating that the diamond is L color (Faint Brown), VS2 clarity; together with original working diagram stating that the stone may by potentially flawless. This ring was an engagement present from Aristotle Onassis. $500,000-600,000. THE ESTATE OF JACQUELINE KENNEDY ONASSIS, April 23-26, 1996, SOTHEBY’S (Sale Code: 6834-JKO), 2018

Oil on Canvas

24h x 24w in
60.96h x 60.96w cm

 

Sean Micka

• 597 EXTRAODINARY FANCY INTENSE YELLOWISH GREEN DIAMOND, The marquise-shape diamond of fancy intense yellowish green color, weighing 2.15 carats, unmounted. Accompanied by G.I.A. report no. 8567033 stating that the diamond is Fancy Intense Yellowish Green, Natural Color and VS 2 clarity. Estimate on request. EXTRAORDINARY JEWELS, New York, April 10 and 11, 1995, SOTHEBY’S, New York (Sale Code: 6685 SPECTRUM)., 2018

Oil on canvas

24h x 24w in
60.96h x 60.96w cm

 

Sean Micka

• 547 FINE FANCY PINK DIAMOND, The cut-cornered rectangular modified brilliant-cut diamond weighing 1.12 carats, unmounted. Accompanied by G.I.A. report no. 8364983 stating that the diamond is Fancy Pink, Natural Color. $40,000-50,000. MAGNIFICENT JEWELRY, October 20 and 21, 1993, SOTHEBY’S, New York (Sale Code: 6479-REX)., 2018

Oil on Canvas

24h x 24w in
60.96h x 60.96w cm

 

Sean Micka

• 359 EMERALD RING, The emerald-cut emerald weighing 5.53 carats, within a simple gold mounting. Unmounted in illustration. $20,000-30,000 Extraordinary Jewels, New York, April 10 and 11, 1995, SOTHEBY’S, New York (6685 SPECTRUM)., 2018

Oil on Canvas

24h x 24w in
60.96h x 60.96w cm

 

Sean Micka

• 35 TWO AMERICAN SILVER SERVING SPOONS AND FOUR SOUP LADLES, PENNSYLVANIA, CIRCA 1780-1810, 30 ozs. 6 pieces Length 11 5/8 in. (29.5 cm) to 14 in. (35.6 cm.) $2,500-3,500; • 36 THREE AMERICAN SILVER SOUP LADLES, CIRCA 1780-1815, 18 ozs. D dwts. 3 pieces Lengths 13 in. (33 cm.), 14 ½ in. (36.8 cm.), 15 in. (38.1 cm.), $1,500-2,000; • 37 FOUR AMERICAN SILVER TABLESPOONS AND THREE SOUP LADLES, PENNSYLVANIA, DELAWARE, CIRCA, 1790; 25 ozs. 2 dwts. 7 pieces. $2,000-2,500, HIGHLY IMPORTANT AMERICANA FROM STANLEY PAUL SAX COLLECTION, January 16th-17th, 1998, SOTHEBY’S, New York (Sale Code: 7087-SAX)., 2018

Oil on Canvas

36h x 60w in
91.44h x 152.40w cm

 

Sean Micka

• 102 A RARE PAIR OF TABLESPOONS BY ADAM LYNN, ALEXANDRIA VIRGINIA, CIRCA 1800, Each with a pointed oval handle and a pointed oval bowl, the handle engraved “W” in script on front and “DL” on back (marks partially-struck), each marked -7 ¼ in. long (3 oz.) (2) $300-400, IMPORTANT AMERICAN FURNITURE, SILVER, FOLK ART AND DECORATIVE ARTS, Saturday, October 21 1989 CHRISTIE’S, New York (Sale Code: RAWSON 6922)., 2018

Oil on Canvas

30h x 30w in
76.20h x 76.20w cm

 

Sean Micka

• 48 A SET OF TWELVE TABLESPOONS BY STEPHEN RICHARD, NEW YORK, CIRCA 1810, Fine American Furniture, Silver, Folk Art and Decorative Arts, CHRISTIES, New York, Saturday, January 24, 1987. TOWNSEND 6320, 2018

Oil on canvas

30h x 30w in
76.20h x 76.20w cm

Sean Micka

• 56 A RARE SET OF THREE BASTING SPOONS BY BLADWIN GARDINER, PHILADELPHIA OR NEW YORK, EARLY 19TH CENTURY, Each with fiddle-thread handle engraved with a coat-of-arms, marked on back of handle -13 ½ long (22 oz.) $700-1,000, FINE AMERICAN FURNITURE, SILVER, FOLK ART AND DECORATIVE ARTS, Saturday, January 24, 1987, CHRISTIE’S, New York (Sale Code: TOWNSEND 6320), 2018

Oil on canvas

30h x 30w in
76.20h x 76.20w cm

 

Sean Micka

Silver Crystals, 1978, Refined by Handy & Harman, Fairfield Connecticut L. approx. 1 5/8” (41 mm). Gift of Handy & Harman. Silver In American Life: Selections from the Mabel Brady Garvan and Other Collections at Yale University, 1979., 2019

Charcoal on paper

11h x 14w in
27.94h x 35.56w cm

 

Sean Micka

Silver-lead Ore, Leadville, Colorado, Joseph Reynolds and General James I. Gilbert, Proprietors, w. 5 3/4“ (146 mm); wt. 13 oz., 3 dwt. (408 gm), Economic Geology Collection, Yale University; American Arts Purchase Fund 1978.80; Silver In American Life: Selections from the Mabel Brady Garvan and Other Collections at Yale University, 1979., 2018

Charcoal on paper

14h x 11w in
35.56h x 27.94w cm

 

Sean Micka

1878-1880, Free American Mine, Georgetown Colorado, Joseph Reynolds and General James I. Gilbert, Proprietors, L. 2 15/16” (75 mm); wt. 7 oz (217 gm), American Arts Purchase Fund 1978.80; Silver In American Life: Selections from the Mabel Brady Garvan and Other Collections at Yale University, 1979., 2018

Charcoal on paper

14h x 11w in
35.56h x 27.94w cm

 

Sean Micka

Ingot, 1978, Engelhard Minerals & Chemicals Corporation, Iselin New Jersey, w. 6 1⁄4” (159 mm); wt. 100 oz (3100 gm); Silver In American Life: Selections from the Mabel Brady Garvan and Other Collections at Yale University, 1979., 2018

Charcoal on paper

14h x 11w in
35.56h x 27.94w cm

 

Sean Micka

• Silver, 1978, Engelhard Minerals & Chemicals Corporation, Iselin New Jersey, w. 6” (152 mm); wt. 2 oz, 15 dwt. (85 gm); Silver In American Life: Selections from the Mabel Brady Garvan and Other Collections at Yale University, 1979., 2018

Charcoal on paper

14h x 11w in
35.56h x 27.94w cm

 

Sean Micka

MAKERS MARK OF JOHN COBURN, BOSTON, CIRCA 1750 (613 A PAIR OF FINE AMERICAN SILVER SAUCEBOATS, base engraved with block initials S*H, each marked under base, 8 ½ in long, 5 in high (29 oz) - $30,000-40,000, PROVENANCE: Woodbury Family of Beverly Massachusetts; One, The Estate of Allan Winslow Furber, sold in these Rooms, January 24, 1987, lot 81; One, Firestone & Parson, Boston), 2019

Oil on Canvas

14h x 11w in
35.56h x 27.94w cm

 

Sean Micka

Detail of mark on Sugar Bowl: H Anvil S (HANDICRAFT SHOP), L Mark (LEINONEN), Hot Beverage Set, Boston, 1906, Karl F Leinonen (1866-1957), H. pot 8 1/16” (205 mm); WT. pot 13 oz, 17 dwt (429 gm). Gift of Mrs. Alfred E Bissel and Mrs. Edward Leisenring in memory of Alfred Elliott Bissell, B.A., 1925-1978.6A-D, Silver In American Life: Selections from the Mabel Brady Garvan and Other Collections at YALE University, 1979., 2019

Charcoal on paper

14h x 11w in
35.56h x 27.94w cm

 

Sean Micka

• Gen. US Grant and his party visiting the Comstick Lode, 1879. [The Magnificent Mackey Dinner Service] Sale Code: CHIPPENDALE 7000, 2018

Charcoal on paper

14h x 11w in
35.56h x 27.94w cm

 

Sean Micka

Fine Silver and Extraordinary Diamonds from the Estate of an Important Collection

January 31 – March 2, 2019

Opening reception: January 31, 2019, from 6pm to 8pm
 

The gallery is pleased to present Sean Micka’s first solo exhibition with the gallery. The exhibition includes two new bodies of work: a collection of oil paintings based on selected objects from auction catalogues and a group of charcoal drawings documenting the various states of silver and portraits. The works navigate questions of value, labor and desire, production and circulation, authenticity and provenance, and the psychological investment we project onto personal and private inanimate objects.

Upon entering the space, a collection of oil paintings unfolds onto the wall and reads as a continuous strip. The paintings are based on print auction catalogs, namely Christie’s and Sotheby’s, of fine antique silver and luxury jewelry. The catalogues span from the early-1970’s to the late-1990’s. They contain all analog photography and period-specific graphic design, typography, and layout. They depict spoons, ladles, diamonds, emeralds and sapphires. Easily mistaken for photographs, the paintings ask the viewer to take a second, longer look, resisting the kind of cursory viewing prevalent today. The titles alone, drawn verbatim from the object and lot descriptions, are often difficult to read, resist easy reproduction, and often cause confusion. They require the viewer to slow down and reconsider what they are looking at. Why this, why now? Painted with high fidelity to realism, they become aesthetic objects of labor themselves, mapping out a paradoxical connection to the functions of authorship. On one hand, they are close reproductions or appropriations of readymade images. On the other hand, they represent the labor, time and material substances that went into them, creating a “third object” after the original one and the photograph, haunting the original, a history with multiple temporalities.

Across the room, a series of charcoal drawings documents the process of transformation of natural elements, rocks, minerals, the stuff of the earth which through skilled labor turns into coveted and fetishized objects of high exchange-values. The drawings show silver in various states: ingot, crystal, mineral, industrial sheets, as well as  portraits of the deceased patrons whose collections and estates were sold in auction during the same era. Lastly, there is a drawing of a group portrait captured in 1879 of General U.S. Grant, miners and prospectors celebrating upon finding a giant lode of silver. Taken together, they constitute a typology of figures: silver and gems; and a genealogy of authors and caretakers: collections and collectors. Reflecting on the immanent dimensions of the artwork itself, questions of authorship and stewardship, and drawing on a history of theory, critique, and praxis — in particular the work of Andrea Fraser, Louise Lawler, Sherry Levine, Mary Kelly, and Gerhard Richter — Sean Micka’s work comments and reflects on its own  form and content  and  on institutionalization — circulation and exchange, auction and collection — creating another cycle of displacements and condensation, references and intersecting narratives.

Born in Boston, MA, in 1979, Sean Micka lives and works in Brooklyn, New York. He was a participant in the Whitney Museum of American Art, Independent Study Program, Studio Program from 2012-13 and 2013-2014, the AIR Space Program at The Abrons Arts Center in 2014-15, and Pioneer Works Residency in 2016. He received a BFA from the Art Institute of Boston at Lesley University in 2002. Solo exhibitions include Object/Subject/Painting at onestar Press/Three Star Books, Paris, France (2016); Condition Report: Deregulation at The Abrons Arts Center, Manhattan, NY (2015); Storytelling at Gallerie Charlotte Lund, Stockholm, Sweden (2013); BOOK MACHINE, at Le Nouveau Festival du Centre Pompidou, Paris, France (2013); $72M Sale Shatters Warhol Record at Die Ausstellungsstrasse, Vienna, Austria (2011); and After Images, at Dvorak Sec Gallery, Prague, Czech Republic (2009). Negotiations was published by onestar Press, Paris France, in 2011.




1 In the essay “In and out of Place”(1985), Andrea Fraser writes, “Even after art objects are withdrawn from exchange, the legacy of privileged expenditure is never severed from their pedigree. In museums, the labels that supplement every object always begin with the author and end by citing its previous owner; establishing art’s value, these two genealogies are inseparable.” She goes on to say, “Establishing authorship, ownership, pedigree, and ultimately, value, such museum labels are the most conspicuous instance of the institutional exhibition of proper names. Yet even in these titles there is an ambiguity: is the object ‘proper’ to the artist or the collector?” Louise Lawler, October Files 14, Ed. Helen Molesworth and Taylor Walsh., The MIT Press, Cambridge MA, 2013.