Something to Believe In
Mixed media painting on panel • Donald Baechler
Style & Movement
Neo-Expressionism / Post-Modernism
Medium & Technique
Enamel, oil, and photocopied paper on wood panel with resin finish. The technique involves a grid-like arrangement of black silhouettes (icons) over a textured white background, accented with small numbering labels characteristic of a taxonomic or scientific display.
Creation Period
1988
Dimensions & Format
Approximately 96 x 96 inches; Large-scale square format.
Subject Description
The composition features a vast collection of black silhouettes representing mundane and disparate objects (a cat, a boot, a ship, a profile of a head, kitchen utensils, etc.). Each object is tagged with a small number. The work explores themes of classification, memory, and the semiotics of everyday imagery, presenting a catalog of visual 'nouns' that lack a direct narrative but collectively suggest a personal or cultural archive.
Condition & Value Assessment
Condition Assessment
Excellent/Very Good; the surface appears stable under the resin coating, and the frame is in good condition.
Estimated Market Value
$150,000 - $250,000 USD
Auction Estimate
$100,000 - $150,000 USD
Provenance History
Acquired directly from the artist or via major contemporary art galleries such as Tony Shafrazi Gallery or Gagosian; likely held in a significant museum or private collection as suggested by the museum-grade lighting and gallery wall.
Art Historical Significance
Donald Baechler was a central figure in the 1980s New York art scene. This work is significant as it exemplifies his interest in 'the line' and the 're-contextualization of found imagery.' It bridges the gap between pop art sensibilities and the more raw, expressive nature of the East Village art movement.
Notable Features
The use of numbered tags mimics an 18th-century cabinet of curiosities or a natural history museum display, creating a tension between the simplicity of the 'child-like' drawings and the formal scientific presentation.
Condition Issues
Potential for minor yellowing of the resin topcoat over time and slight mechanical surface scratches typical of large-scale mixed media works on panel.
Conservation Recommendations
Maintain stable humidity and temperature (50% RH / 70°F). Protect from direct UV light to prevent yellowing of the resin and fading of the white background. Use micro-fiber dusting only; avoid solvents.