Los Angeles Modern Auctions (LAMA), the premier auction house for modern art and design on the West Coast, held its Spring auction on May 22, which yielded $2,006,000.

Many small lots sold over their price estimate but the main surprise consisting of two specific lots: an untitled work by Sheila Hicks and Love of Ariel by Jules Olitski exceeded expectations by selling way over their high estimate.

Sheila Hicks, Untitled, 1975. Cotton and applied wrapped cordage. Retains the emblem of Galerie Alice Pauli. Approximately 44" x 258"
Sheila Hicks, Untitled, 1975. Cotton and applied wrapped cordage. Retains the emblem of Galerie Alice Pauli. Approximately 44″ x 258″ Los Angeles Modern Auctions

 

Woven by the artist in Kerala, South India and finished in her Paris atelier, this artwork sold for $125,000, way above the price estimate $40,000 – $60,000.

Jules Olitski. Love of Ariel. 1989. Water-based acrylic on canvas. Signed, dated, and titled verso. Canvas: 80" x 91.5"; Frame: 81.25" x 92.75"
Jules Olitski. Love of Ariel. 1989. Water-based acrylic on canvas. Signed, dated, and titled verso. Canvas: 80″ x 91.5″; Frame: 81.25″ x 92.75″ Los Angeles Modern Auctions

The other surprisingly high price was paid for the abstract painting “Love of Ariel” by Jules Olitski. The price estimate was around $20,000 – $30,000 but the hammer fell at $102,500, putting the crowd at awe.

 

Photos courtesy of LAMA website.