Property from the Estate of Karsten Schubert (lots 60-63)

Introduction
Born in Berlin, Karsten Schubert (1961-2019) was a pioneer on the 1980’s London Art scene, promoting and opening doors to many artists who were associated with the Young British Artist movement (YBAs). Karsten began his career at the Lisson Gallery which, in the early 1980’s, was the only London gallery offering space to young, as yet, undiscovered artistic talents. Inspired to create his own forum for a new generation of art, Karsten sought investment from dealer, Richard Salmon, and at the age of 25 established a gallery on Charlotte Street, Fitzrovia.

His first exhibition featured the work of Alison Wilding and, following on from Damien Hirst’s Freeze show of 1988, he began representing Goldsmith graduates Gary Hume, Michael Landy (lot 62) and Ian Davenport. Karsten typically gave his artists free reign to create as they pleased. A 1992 exhibition entitled Closing Down saw artist Michael Landy fill shopping trolleys with cheap tat emblazoned with banners: ‘Cor What a Bargain’ and ‘Everything Must Go.’ Equally as outlandish was Anya Gallacio’s project in which she covered the gallery interior with chocolate. Although groundbreaking and inspiring, these exhibitions were ultimately uncommercial and by 1992 Karsten had relocated to Foley Street and a number of his protégés had left him for other representation now springing up in London’s West End.

In 1995, Karsten turned his attention to publishing. Teaming up with Thomas Dane and Charles Asprey he established Ridinghouse Editions focusing on prints. Later in his career, his literary focus shifted to more academic endeavours and Ridinghouse became a publisher of art history and theory including a number of artist monographs. Karsten's artistic focus also shifted and he concentrated on the works of the likes of Bridget Riley who he admired greatly and those of Tess Jaray (see lot 62) from his Lexington Street Gallery in Soho.

Loved and admired in the London art world and beyond, typical of his generosity and kindness the proceeds from the book he wrote during his convalescence from cancer surgery (from a room at Claridges, funded by two of his friends), he donated to charity. The following four works are from Karsten's private collection.

62
TESS JARAY (BRITISH B.1937)
UNTITLED
signed Tess Jaray lower left
pencil on graph paper
31 x 34cm: 12 1/4 x 13 1/2in
41.5 x 44.5cm; 16 1/4 x 17 1/2in (framed)

Property from the Estate of Karsten Schubert

Executed circa 1999-2000.

Provenance
Acquired from the artist