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Home / Art & Antiques / 2017 May 18 - 19 Photographs Signature Auction - New York Auction #5298 / Lot #73123
    LOT #73123  | 
    Sold on May 19, 2017 for: Sign-in or Join (free & quick)

    Ira Cohen (American, 1935-2011). Stefan Brecht in the Mylar chamber, 1970. Dye destruction. 13-3/4 x 9 inches (34.9 x 22...

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    • Photographs:Dye destruction, Ira Cohen (American, 1935-2011). Stefan Brecht in the Mylar chamber, 1970. Dye destruction. 13-3/4 x 9 inches (34.9 x 22...
    • Photographs:Dye destruction, Ira Cohen (American, 1935-2011). Stefan Brecht in the Mylar chamber, 1970. Dye destruction. 13-3/4 x 9 inches (34.9 x 22...
    Photographs:Dye destruction, Ira Cohen (American, 1935-2011). Stefan Brecht in the Mylar chamber, 1970. Dye destruction. 13-3/4 x 9 inches (34.9 x 22... Photographs:Dye destruction, Ira Cohen (American, 1935-2011). Stefan Brecht in the Mylar chamber, 1970. Dye destruction. 13-3/4 x 9 inches (34.9 x 22... View More >
    Sold on May 19, 2017 for: Not Sold

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    Description

    Ira Cohen (American, 1935-2011)
    Stefan Brecht in the Mylar chamber, 1970
    Dye destruction
    13-3/4 x 9 inches (34.9 x 22.9 cm)
    With provenance letter from the estate.

    Ira Cohen spent the early 1960s in Tangier, Morocco with William S. Burroughs and Paul Bowles where he edited and published GNAOUA, a Beat-era literary magazine. Returning to New York he published The Hashish Cookbook in 1966. Around this time, he created his "Mylar Chamber" a room covered with the highly reflective polyester film where he photographed his friends including John McLaughlin, William S. Burroughs and Jimi Hendrix with psychedelic results. One of these Mylar images was used on the cover of the Spirit album The Twelve Dreams of Dr. Sardonicus, released in 1970.
    Cohen wrote numerous poems, did poetry readings, published literary magazines, and made avant-garde films among his many varied pursuits. His literary archive is in the Beinecke Rare Book and Manuscript Library at Yale University.


    Stefan Brecht (1924-2009) was the son of Bertolt Brecht and Helene Weigel. He was a poet, critc and an historian of radical theatre. Here he is dressed in a half-bride, half-groom costume as a hermaphrodite in a play in which he was performing. There is a well-known photograph by Arthur Tress with Brecht in the same outfit.

    More information about Cohen, Ira.

    Condition Report*: Paper size: 14 x 11 inches; unmounted and not framed; overall in very good condition, with some scattered light surface scuffs and finger prtins visible.
    *Heritage Auctions strives to provide as much information as possible but encourages in-person inspection by bidders. Statements regarding the condition of objects are only for general guidance and should not be relied upon as complete statements of fact, and do not constitute a representation, warranty or assumption of liability by Heritage. Some condition issues may not be noted in the condition report but are apparent in the provided photos which are considered part of the condition report. Please note that we do not de-frame lots estimated at $1,000 or less and may not be able to provide additional details for lots valued under $500. Heritage does not guarantee the condition of frames and shall not be liable for any damage/scratches to frames, glass/acrylic coverings, original boxes, display accessories, or art that has slipped in frames. All lots are sold "AS IS" under the Terms & Conditions of Auction.

    Auction Info

    Auction Dates
    May, 2017
    18th-19th Thursday-Friday
    Bids + Registered Phone Bidders: 0
    Lot Tracking Activity: N/A
    Page Views: 1,101

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    Sold on May 19, 2017 for: Sign-in or Join (free & quick)
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