12th Sep, 2024 10:00

The Scottish Contemporary Art Auction

 
Lot 65
 

* SIR BILLY CONNOLLY CBE (SCOTTISH b. 1942)
SCOTTY POSER XV

limited edition giclee print on paper, signed and numbered 12/24, titled and dated 2022 certificate verso, from the Born on a Rainy Day series
framed and under glass

image size 57cm x 77cm, overall size 65cm x 86cm

Note 1: Certificate verso by Washington Green Fine Art.
Note 2:
The world-famous comedian’s iconic artworks have no less impact than one of his legendary comedy sketches. The faceless figures possess an extraordinary self-awareness and humanity. Devoid of emotion or expression, their anonymity opens them up to individual interpretation, creating a unique bond with the viewer. Featured by The Times and documentaries including Billy Connolly: It's Been a Pleasure, his minimalist drawings have been described as 'poignant', 'funny' and 'enigmatic' by critics. It was on a rainy day in 2007 that Billy first put pen to paper. Taking refuge from the grey drizzle of Montreal, Canada, he entered an art shop with a twinkling curiosity and left with an armful of supplies and the urge to create. Back in his hotel room, his felt-tip pens and sketchbook formed a portal for his imagination, and over the next five years his drawings evolved into his debut fine art collection, Born On A Rainy Day, which launched in 2012. Billy's highly-collectible series of limited edition prints and stainless steel sculptures is as humorous as his own comedy, with elements of his own life unexpectedly appearing throughout. Billy Connolly is unarguably one of the world’s finest stand-up comics. He has also been an acclaimed actor and musician; now he has turned his rich talents into visual art, with many hugely popular collections of limited edition prints and steel sculptures. “I’d never drawn in my life until this point, but I just started drawing weird islands and carried on drawing.” Billy creates his art at his Florida home, where he draws a plethora of wondrous images, from extinct Scottish cats and horses with two legs, to Teddy Boys and flying babies. Whatever takes his imagination, he gets down on paper for his avid collectors. In 2023, a coffee-table book of Billy’s art was published by Castle Fine Art, featuring over 300 published and unpublished works, and he was thrilled with the result. “I didn't know there were so many pieces. I thought I must have 12 or 20. I don't know how many, but there are over 300 in the book. 300! That's ridiculous. It's lovely.” “Some of them are quite virginal and purist and they go for the good side of life. And others are quite dodgy and a bit bad taste, which pleases me greatly. They're of a world of their own. There's no similarity whatsoever in writing a book and drawing; drawing oozes from you. It takes hold of part of what's in your head and makes you do it on paper”.

 

A condition report is offered as an indication of any issues visible to the naked eye. As none of our staff is a professional conservator or restorer, buyers must satisfy themselves in respect of condition and McTear’s can provide contact details of local professionals who can provide fully comprehensive expert reports, usually for a modest charge. The condition report does not form part of any contract between McTear's and the buyer, and all lots are offered "as is" in accordance with our Terms of Business available on our website.

 

Sold for £800
Estimated at £500 - £800


 
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