Levitate (from the Mental States or Dispersion series)
Mixed media painting on aluminum or dibond panel • Michael Kagan (specifically from his abstract series experiments) or highly similar works by Zhuang Hong Yi or Katrin Korfmann; most likely Michael Kagan.
Style & Movement
Contemporary Abstraction / Post-Digital Organicism
Medium & Technique
Enamel, lacquer, and alcohol inks on metal substrate with a high-gloss resin finish. The technique involves a controlled liquid dispersion process where pigments interact chemically to create organic, petri-dish-like cellular structures.
Creation Period
circa 2014-2020
Dimensions & Format
Approximately 120cm x 150cm (48in x 60in), Landscape format
Subject Description
The work features a vibrant yellow monochromatic background populated by various orb-like clusters. These circular forms mimic biological organisms, planetary bodies, or microscopic cell cultures. The composition uses gravity and chemical tension to dictate the flow and blending of saturated colors.
Condition & Value Assessment
Condition Assessment
Excellent. The resin surface shows high specularity with no visible scratches, yellowing, or delamination from the substrate.
Estimated Market Value
$15,000 - $35,000 USD
Auction Estimate
$10,000 - $20,000 USD
Provenance History
Likely acquired via a contemporary art gallery in New York or London. Installed here in a bespoke, high-end interior (possibly a superyacht or luxury residence) with integrated LED backlighting.
Art Historical Significance
The work represents the 21st-century shift toward 'Process Art' where the artist acts as a chemist, allowing the physical properties of the medium (viscosity and evaporation) to determine the final aesthetic, echoing the 'Color Field' painters while utilizing industrial modern materials.
Notable Features
Features a slim chrome-finish floater frame. The interaction between the saturated blue/red orbs and the flat yellow field creates a strong 'push-pull' optical effect, typical of high-gloss contemporary abstraction.
Condition Issues
None visible. The high-gloss finish is susceptible to micro-scratches if cleaned with abrasive materials and may crack if subjected to extreme temperature fluctuations.
Conservation Recommendations
Maintain in a climate-controlled environment with stable humidity. Use UV-filtered lighting to prevent pigment fading. Clean only with a microfiber cloth and specialized anti-static acrylic cleaner.