The last time I tried to ride into Sotheby’s on a lawnmower security got quite cross, but for Duane Hanson they can’t do enough to help – that’s what being one of the 20th Century’s most influential artists gets you I suppose. Of course it’s not Hanson himself that’s being wheeled into the London auction house (the sculptor from South Florida died in 1996, so that would be a bit weird), but one of his final big pieces. Man on a Mower is an excellent example of Hanson’s extraordinary photorealistic skill, you’d need to hold a mirror under the nostrils of this sweat-stained sad sack to be sure he isn’t breathing.
The obese gardener is typical of the sort of characters that interested Hanson – the disillusioned, downtrodden and deluded of Middle America were popular subjects, elevating them from the mundanity of their clichéd lives into something to be celebrated. Reality Check is a rare chance to see some of Hanson’s seminal works in person; the selling exhibition continues at Sotheby’s until 7 November.
DUANE HANSON: REALITY CHECK
9 October – 7 November 2014
Bodybuilder, 1989/1995
Autobody filler, polychromed in oil, mixed media with accessories – Lifesize
© Estate of Duane Hanson / Licensed by DACS, London, UK
DUANE HANSON: REALITY CHECK
9 October – 7 November 2014
High School Student, 1990/92
Bronze, polychromed in oil, mixed media with accessories – Life-size
© Estate of Duane Hanson / Licensed by DACS, London, UK
Man on a Mower gets a helping hand
from the team at Sotheby’s
DUANE HANSON: REALITY CHECK
9 October – 7 November 2014
Bus Stop Lady, 1983
Polyvinyl, polychromed in oil, mixed media with accessories – Lifesize
© Estate of Duane Hanson / Licensed by DACS, London, UK
DUANE HANSON: REALITY CHECK
9 October – 7 November 2014
Baton Twirler, 1971
Polyester resin and fiberglass, polychromed in oil,
mixed media accessories with metal base – Lifesize
© Estate of Duane Hanson / Licensed by DACS, London, UK
