Mel
Bochner

Chuckle (2014) signifies a noteworthy achievement in Mel Bochner's artistic journey, establishing his auction record. Crafted using oil paint on velvet, Bochner first creates a digital engraving to construct a stencil that shapes the desired words. This stencil is then gently transferred onto the velvet canvas, acting as a guide for the precise manual application of paint. Through a conscious exertion of pressure, the artwork forms, generating textural variations that challenge the traditional artistic techniques employed on canvas.

Characterised by horizontal segments of abstract hues, Chuckle invites viewers to decipher its enigmatic message: certain lines reveal legible words, while others beckon interpretation from the viewer's imagination. This intricacy and allure epitomise Bochner's artistic repertoire, necessitating engagement from the viewer.

Chuckle achieved an impressive sale price of £158,000 (hammer) in July 2021 at K-Auction in South Korea, making it Mel Bochner's highest-selling work to date.

Created in 2010, Blah, Blah, Blah was prominently featured in Mel Bochner's Photographs and Not Photographs 1966-2010 exhibition at Fraenkel Gallery in San Francisco. The captivating and visceral effect of the dripping blue paint on the repeating text deliberately aims to convey nothingness to the viewer. This challenging and complex artwork compels viewers to engage with the recognisability of the words, ultimately highlighting the irony of associating them with emptiness, as indicated by the repeated word “Blah.’’

Bochner's practice entices viewers to transcend the contextual meaning of words and perceive the artwork as a whole, encompassing object: language and materiality, leading to a conceptual understanding. Blah, Blah, Blah is Mel Bochner's second highest-selling work achieving a price of £150,439 (fees included) at Phillips in July 2020.

Blah, Blah, Blah (2012) holds a prominent position within Mel Bochner's acclaimed Blah series, standing as his highest-selling print. Presented as a diptych, this captivating artwork comprises two expansive pieces crafted through collage and engraving techniques. The word “Blah’’ is prominently featured in a deliberate arrangement of three columns in each of the two works, allowing viewers to easily engage with the repetition. The abstracted splashes of colour that form the backdrop add visual interest and depth to the composition, further enhancing its overall impact.

The notable texture of the letters is evident with vibrant variations of colour. Bochner emphasises the dynamic relationship between language and colour and how each element evokes a visceral engaging response in viewers. Blah, Blah, Blah achieved a sale price of £110,399 (fees included) at Phillips New York in November 2016, solidifying its esteemed position as Mel Bochner's third top-selling work.