The MALI auction puts the Venice Biennale on display: there are pieces from $100

From historic times to the modern era, art auctions have been places where masterpieces find new homes and where emerging artists can make a name for themselves on the global art scene. On this occasion, the MALI is preparing to receive its XXXI edition, where more than 60 pieces of art will be available for culture lovers and collectors.

This year, the role of auctioneer will be played by Armando Andrade, who also serves as curator of the Peruvian pavilion at the 2024 Venice Biennale. This edition ranges from the historical to the contemporary, presenting micro-sessions that include works of art from various periods and styles, as well as graphic design, photography and contemporary art works. Among the notable names in the catalog are renowned Peruvian artists such as Camilo Blas, Elena Izcue, Ralph Bauer, Paul Susanibar, Javi Vargas, Elena Tejada and Rita Ponce de León.

“Our catalog is also a historical record where we show new artists with their most recent works, as well as artists who were not very recognized at the time”explains the president of the MALI auction committee, Talia Durand. “For that reason, it was necessary to become more and more international”he adds.

As has been customary for the past three editions, this event will be broadcast on the web through the Bidsquare platform, where it is only necessary to register to be able to participate in the bidding in real time. “Given the social nature of the auction, we wanted to recreate this experience through digitality, especially with places that always support these auctions such as London and Madrid, which will have this digital service”explains Durand.

Exhibited Biennial

One of the highlights of this edition is the participation of great exponents of Peruvian art who will represent the country at this year’s Venice Biennale. Works by artists such as Julia Codesido, Violeta Quispe, Sandra Gamarra, Rember Yahuarcani and Roberto Huarcaya are part of the auction selection.

“One reason why we are so well represented in Venice is largely because of the work of disseminating Peruvian art that the Museum of Art has been carrying out, a work that took decades, which is why we continue to expand our dissemination,” mentions Durand, who highlights the past participation of Peruvian art in previous editions of the Biennial. “We have been doing very specialized work in the art of the Amazon, it is no coincidence that there are two artists representative of Amazonian art in the Biennial. Everything is related”, he adds.

Other works that will be present are “The Cross of Sarhua”, traditional watercolors, dishes with Amazonian motifs from Ucayali, a pair of Shipibas vessels with anthropomorphic designs, 24 churches made with molded ceramics, still lifes, “The Virgin of Bethlehem”, among others. so many pieces that can be found from 100 dollars. “This event is ideal for people who want to start a collection that has a rigorous verification and observation process”Durand emphasizes.

As is customary, each MALI auction is accompanied by a screen print or poster designed by a guest artist. On this occasion, the person in charge of creating the work is Ralph Bauer, who will be present at La Casa Prado. “Even if you are not thinking of buying anything, here you can appreciate the high value of the works of Peruvian artists at an international and national level, preserving and expanding part of our culture outside of museums.”, he concludes.