102: MARK LOMBARDI, Paul Helliwell Castle B&T Mercantile (2nd Version) < 20th Century Art, 28 September 2017 < Auctions

20th Century Art

28 September 2017

20th Century Art

Mark Lombardi, Paul Helliwell Castle B&T Mercantile (2nd Version) - Image 1 of 2

Mark Lombardi, Paul Helliwell Castle B&T Mercantile (2nd Version) - Image 2 of 2

102

Mark Lombardi 1951–2000
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Paul Helliwell Castle B&T Mercantile (2nd Version)

1999
graphite on joined paper 10½ h × 28 w in (27 × 71 cm)

estimate: $20,000–30,000

result: $49,400

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Mark Lombardi is known for his highly detailed and conceptual narrative structures that map out the networks and shady connections between the worlds of finance and politics to document conspiracy, abuse of power and other fraudulent activity. This work outlines the relationship between Paul Helliwell’s banks and the off-shore financing of CIA covert operations as well as the laundering of profits for individuals involved in major organized crime. In March of 2000, at the height of his artistic career, Lombardi was found dead in his studio. His suicide shocked friends and family and sparked speculation that foul play was involved. Lombardi's untimely and mysterious death is the subject of a book by Patricia Goldstone.
Titled to left edge and to verso 'Paul Helliwell - Castle B&T - Mercantile B&T 2nd Version'.
provenance: Pierogi Gallery, New York | Private Collection
The MoMA has 20 works by Lombardi in their collection.

I call the drawings “narrative structures” because each consists of a network of lines and notations which are meant to convey a story, typically about a recent event of interest to me, like the collapse of a large international bank, trading company, or investment house. One of my goals is to explore the interaction of political, social and economic forces in contemporary affairs. Working from syndicated news items and other published accounts, I begin each drawing by compiling large amounts of information about a specific bank, financial group or set of individuals. My purpose throughout is to interpret the material by juxtaposing and assembling the notations into a unified, coherent whole. Every statement of fact and connection depicted in the work is true and based on information culled entirely from the public record.

Mark Lombardi