Kenny Scharf, Val Wong Worm, 2006

Kenny Scharf

Val Wong Worm, 2006

Oil, acrylic, silkscreen and rhinestones on paper

Signed, dated and titled by the artist on the die-cut window on the back

An impressive unique Kenny Scharf work on paper - with an equally riveting back story.
This work was gifted directly by Kenny Scharf to the original owner, who is the collector who commissioned Scharf to make his famous Souped-Up, Decked-Out Coupe De Ville Cadillac Art Car which sold for about US $400,000 at Heritage Auctions in 2023. (see article below)
https://news.artnet.com/market/kenny-scharf-art-car-cadillac-auction-2299866

Measurements:
Frame:
49.5 x 35 x 2 inches
Artwork:
44 x 30 inches

This work is accompanied by a letter of provenance stating,

"This letter will serve to outline the provenance of the Kenny Scharf "Val Wong Worm" work on paper from 2006. In 2005, I and my two business partners in the firm Trackside Brothers, LLC commissioned Kenny Scharf to paint/customize a 1960 Cadillac for my personal collection. The car was essentially brand new having only 5,300 miles at the time of commissioning. Knowing that the year and model were on of Kenny's favorites, he was keen on the undertaking but somewhat apprehensive due to the pristine condition of the car and came to our studio in Delray Beach, Florida to undertake the project. In advance Kenny had shipped three boxes of "Object d'art" to use in the creation what would become "Astral Uber Cumulo Nimbus Atlantian Express."
I was honored to be granted the role of Kenny's assistant for the four week "transformation." Kenny stated at the time that I was the only collector to act as his assistant on any of his art projects. In order to properly document the creative process from start to finish we hired Five Star Productions of Boca Raton, Florida to shoot the project resulting in the documentary "Kenny and the Cadillac." Upon its completion we "launched" the car into the world at Art Basel Miami in 2006. We had the launch party at the Raleigh hotel with the Caddy on a rotating turntable by the pool. There were hundreds of gallery/museum directors at the event which garnered significant press. Kenny and his friends conducted a "Cave Man" performance piece dancing and singing around the car, all of which was filmed for the documentary.

In appreciation for the time, effort and expense of the project, documentary and launch party, Kenny gifted each of us a work on paper from his "Worm" series of 2006. My gift was "Val Wong Worm." I have had ownership of Val Wong Worm since receiving it from Kenny's studio in 2006. I am delighted that Val Wong Worm is going to new home with a collector that has as much passion for his work as I do!"

(A copy of the original letter is shown with this listing)