Lot 329

Thomas Lanigan-Schmidt, Untitled (Christmas Ornament). Circa 1985.

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Thomas Lanigan-Schmidt, Untitled (Christmas Ornament). Circa 1985.

Estimate: $800 - $1,200

Starting Bid: $600

(0 Bids)

by Swann Auction Galleries
August 13, 2026 10:30 AM EDT
Live Auction
104 East 25th Street
New York, NY, US 10010

Thomas Lanigan-Schmidt
b. 1948
Untitled (Christmas Ornament). Circa 1985.
Mixed media assemblage including plastic wrap, tin foil, pipe cleaners, mylar, staples, cellophane, and a Charmin advertisement clipping.

  • Provenance:
    Gift from the artist to current owner, New York, 1985.

    Notes:
    Lanigan-Schmidt creates sculptures and collages that embrace kitsch, appearing gaudy and loud and incorporating found materials and cheap embellishments such as cellophane, glitter and foil. He often cites religious themes and biblical scenes in his work; as a Christian, he feels it is important to keep an open dialogue about religion and its place in the world, despite the pressure to not be religious as a gay man. He was present at the Stonewall riots and has spoken about his participation; notably, in 2016 he was chosen as a speaker when the Stonewall Inn became a national monument. He is an instructor at the School of Visual Arts in New York City, and his work is included in the collections of the Metropolitan Museum of Art, Whitney Museum of American Art, MoMA, and the Brooklyn Museum, among others.
  • Dimensions: 7 1/2 x 7 1/4 in. (19.1 x 18.4 cm.)
  • Medium: Mixed media assemblage including plastic wrap, tin foil, pipe cleaners, mylar, staples, cellophane, and a Charmin advertisement clipping.
  • Condition: Please contact the Specialist for the auction to request a condition report.

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