#USA #Los Angeles #Moran Auctioneers #Davood Roostaei #Wayne Thiebaud

From Midcentury Legends to Contemporary Visionaries: Moran's Art + Design Sale

On September 30, 2025, at 10:00 AM PT, John Moran Auctioneers is set to unveil its eagerly awaited fall auction titled Art + Design. This spectacular event will showcase 380 lots that encapsulate the essence of fine art, design, studio craft, and decorative objects from both the 20th and 21st centuries. Artists and designers featured include notable names such as Alice Baber, Wayne Thiebaud, Wolf Kahn, Richard Diebenkorn, Davood Roostaei, Guangyi Wang, SHAG, and others.

Highlighted Artworks

Leading the auction is Alice Baber’s The Swing and the Bridge (1970), which is estimated to fetch between $50,000 to $70,000. This piece is hailed for its lyrical Abstract Expressionism, characterized by organic forms and translucent colors. Baber’s work first gained recognition at the New York Stable Gallery in 1957. Noted art critic Thomas Albright remarked on the dynamic quality of her abstractions, suggesting they embody movement akin to water in a pond.

Another notable inclusion is the work of Iranian-American artist Davood Roostaei (1959–2023). His pieces Perennial Struggles (2021) and Journeys (2022) are expected to reach estimates of $40,000–60,000 and $20,000–30,000, respectively. Roostaei’s unique style, termed Cryptorealism, combines layers of abstraction and figuration. His technique often involves creating intricate works with his fingers, and he has been recognized as a pivotal figure whose artworks are part of several prestigious collections, including the Obama Presidential Library.

Prominent in the lineup is Wayne Thiebaud's exquisite Hill Street (1987), which is a color woodcut that was printed in Kyoto. This artwork captures Thiebaud's impressive ability to transform the hills of San Francisco into vibrant compositions, projected to sell for $20,000–30,000. Thiebaud’s contributions to Pop and American realism are as significant in printmaking as his paintings.

Richard Diebenkorn’s piece Ochre (1983) will also be available, estimated at $20,000–30,000. This woodcut is part of his renowned Ocean Park series, encapsulating refined geometry and spatial depth, characteristic of Diebenkorn’s style.

Wolf Kahn’s luminous Foliage in a Lemon-Yellow Surround (2004) carries an estimated value of $20,000–30,000. Recognized for merging expressive abstraction and American landscape themes, Kahn's works are held in esteemed institutions such as the Metropolitan Museum of Art and SFMOMA.

From the estate of Mario Armond Zamparelli, more than 30 unique lots will be featured, including his noteworthy works like Reclining Nude in Green Kimono and Seated Nude, each estimated between $4,000–6,000. Zamparelli was influential in the mid-century design scene, contributing to the branding of prominent figures and companies.

In addition to fine art, the auction will highlight decorative arts, including a “Hammer Handle” chair designed by Wharton Esherick and a coffee table by Philip and Kelvin LaVerne. There will also be furniture from the estate of Robert Baron, a co-owner of Glenn of California, which features iconic midcentury pieces. His work has been instrumental in shaping contemporary design aesthetics, elevating the careers of many renowned designers.

Conclusion

The Art + Design auction by John Moran Auctioneers promises to be an extraordinary event for collectors and art enthusiasts alike. With a diverse range of artworks spanning significant artistic movements, this sale provides a unique opportunity to acquire pieces from celebrated artists. To participate or learn more about this auction, visit John Moran Auctioneers.

For inquiries, please contact Brenda Smith at John Moran Auctioneers.