CLEVELAND, OH .- Gray’s Auctioneers announced the results of sale for the life’s work and collection of a previously unknown, self-taught, Cleveland artist, Ronald Carvell Meaux, whose introduction to the art market sparked international interest and fiercely competitive bidding at Gray’s June 27th auction.
Sold in group lots of artfully selected works, Meaux’s portfolio of imagery secured hammer prices that well exceeded estimates and expectations for this previously, completely unknown artist. Meaux’s lyrical abstractions express the pathos of an embattled, homosexual, African American man struggling with his identity in a Midwestern city in the 1960s. Featuring such fantastic titles as Bacchanale with Telepathic Window and The Metamorphosis and Influence of an Ancient Demi-God or Aphrodite Feigning Virginity, Summer 1965, his dynamically expressive paintings and works on paper are a revelation of the artist’s personal demons.
Meaux passed away in a state of total reclusion in 2012, with neither friends nor family to take on his final expenses. Gray’s is currently working with the consignor and local authorities to see that the proceeds from the artist’s exceptional auction performance are used to finally and properly put Meaux’s body to rest, bringing dignity to the passing of this late, great Cleveland artist.
With more than two decades of experience as a licensed auctioneer Deborah J. Gray returned to Cleveland, Ohio to open her eponymous auction and appraisal showrooms in June 2007. As VP of Operations for Sotheby’s, the largest auction house in the world, Deborah was uniquely qualified to start a new auction and appraisal service in Northeast Ohio. Gray’s on staff team of appraisers offer USPAP certified appraisal services for insurance and estate tax purposes, as well as fair-market value reports if an item’s worth is all that is required. Gray’s also offers free appraisal services at their showrooms, every Friday from 11am until 4:00pm.
Through their state of the art website and their global partnerships they attract bidders from all over the world, who can bid live online, and also through absentee or telephone bidding. Gray’s commitment to excellence in customer service is demonstrated by the elimination of punitive fees and the holding of accurate reserves. Gray’s experts work closely with banks, trustees, executors, institutions, corporations and attorneys to inventory, appraise and realize the full value of collections & estates. Gray's Auctioneers provide pick-up and local delivery services with their own Mercedes truck, together with their experienced team of Fine Art packers and movers.
