Collectors alert: Auction of art and art books from Estate of James Jensen and MacNaughton Collection happens April 7

On April 7, McClain’s Auctions will hold an auction of more than 200 artworks from two generous gifts made for purposes of sale from the Estate of James Jensen, the museum’s late curator of contemporary art, and the MacNaughton Collection. (Pictured above: An untitled portrait by Josef Scharl, from the Estate of James Jensen, and “Red Bird” by Ken Little from the MacNaughton Collection.)

Jensen is known in the arts community as an influential curator, but he also had a personal collection. When he passed away a year ago, he left behind a substantial body of artwork and books, a good part of which he bequeathed to the institution that he loved. More recently, Dawn and Duncan MacNaughton donated to the museum works from their personal collection for purposes of sale.

The event is a great opportunity for collectors to acquire works by some of Hawai‘i’s best artists, as well as some options from nationally known artists. Auction items include sculptures, paintings, ceramics, drawings, prints, and photographs. Proceeds from the works donated for purposes of sale will go to the museum’s general operating fund.

Sampling of works on paper that are in the auction.

Highlights of the MacNaughton Collection include a sculpture by Lizbeth Stewart, a portfolio of Brett Weston photographs, a woodcut by Susan Rothenberg, and several ceramic works by well-known Hawai‘i artists such as May Chee and Lucille Cooper.

The museum is acquiring many works from the Jensen Collection, and is also offering important works for sale to the public. The majority of pieces date from the latter half of the 20th century, however, works from the 19th and early 20th centuries are also represented. Selected pieces include a print by Pat Steir; a print by Ellsworth Kelly; a print by William T. Wiley; a photograph by Barbara Ess; a group of works by Kathy Muehlemann; and ceramics by Anthony Brown, Stephen Freedman, Victor Kobayashi, Don Reitz, and Toshiko Takaezu.

A taste of what’s in the auction—sales benefit the museum’s general operating fund.

The sale of art books—from the Jensen Collection and the museum’s library—starts on April 4. Interested buyers can browse shelves of books, exhibition catalogs, monographs and other art-related publications before the art auction. Book purchases are cash only.

McClain’s Auction, 780 S. Beretania St.
Art auction: April 7, 2018, 10 a.m. Preview April 4-6, noon-6 p.m.; April 7, 8-10 a.m.
Book sale: April 4-6; noon-6 p.m.; cash only.

4.4.2018