Alain Kirili Artwork valuations, appraisals and auction estimates

Alain Kirili was born in Paris in 1946 and was quickly fascinated by American Expressionism, discovering the sculptures of David Smith and the paintings of Barnett Newman. The artist has translated the inspiration of different cultures into his sculpture: American expressionism, Korean calligraphy and the original Hebrew alphabet, which was the origin of his "Commandments" series. Read the full biography

Alain Kirili was born in Paris in 1946 and was quickly fascinated by American Expressionism, discovering the sculptures of David Smith and the paintings of Barnett Newman. The artist has translated the inspiration of different cultures into his sculpture: American expressionism, Korean calligraphy and the original Hebrew alphabet, which was the origin of his "Commandments" series. Traveling through India added a spiritual and sensual dimension to his sculpture encompassing the Hindu concept of Yoni-Lingam.
Furthermore, Jazz and Afrobeat music played a significant role in his creative process characterized by improvisation and rhythm. Speaking of sculpture, Kirili said that music and dance speak in communion in his workshop and exhibitions.
In 1972, Alain Kirili had his first solo gallery exhibition in Paris at Ileana Sonnabend. There he met Robert Rauschenberg, who invited him to New York. Debuting in 1976, a chain of exhibitions anchored his international career, beginning with PS1, New York, then Kassel's Documenta 6 (1977), his first solo exhibition in New York with Ileana Sonnabend (1978), followed by the first acquisition by the MoMA (1979) then a second (1984), and a solo show at the Galerie Beyeler in Basel (1980).