Alexander Ney 1987 Pierced Dysmorphic Terracotta Head, Studio Fire Survivor 1997

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Created in 1987, this signed terracotta head by Russian-American artist Alexander Ney (1939–2023) is distinguished by the intricate perforated surface … Read more Created in 1987, this signed terracotta head by Russian-American artist Alexander Ney (1939–2023) is distinguished by the intricate perforated surface that became central to his sculptural language.

The sculpture has especially compelling provenance. The selling auctioneer confirmed that the consignor acquired part of Ney’s estate and identified this piece among the works damaged in the artist’s devastating 1997 Manhattan studio fire. A specialist familiar with Alexander Ney’s work believes this sculpture survived this May 29, 1997 fire at Ney’s Manhattan studio, with its smoke-darkened surface consistent with known fire-affected estate works. The surface has been left untouched; minor chips may be consistent with dunting, caused by thermal stress from the fire.

What I love most is that its survival is visible. The fire did not erase the sculpture’s quiet presence or extraordinary hand-worked surface. Instead, it added another layer to an object already concerned with memory, absence and endurance. It is both a work of art and a tangible remnant of an important event in the artist’s life.

Signed and dated 1987, approximately 6 inches high × 3 inches wide × 5 inches deep. Fire-related surface darkening, chips, losses and hairline cracking are present, as photographed, and form an integral part of the sculpture’s history and character.

Imagine losing years of work in a single day, then finding this face among what remained. See less