Lot 309
Kenneth Bunn (American, 1938-2020). Gorilla and Baby bronze sculpture. Signed "Bunn" followed by copyright symbol and "6" on verso (lower back/buttocks of larger gorilla). An engaging bronze by wildlife sculptor Kenneth Bunn, an Academician of the National Academy of Design as well as a Fellow of the National Sculpture Society. This piece captures a tender moment between a mother and baby gorilla. The mother sits in a relaxed pose, leaning upon her right hand, with one leg casually crossed over the other, as the baby sits upon her shoulder, nestling in for comfort. Bunn has masterfully breathed life into these animals, rendering their calm expressions, sweet gestures, and implied motion. In addition to this convincing physiognomy and anatomy, note how Bunn has skillfully rendered the contrasting textures of the their fur and hairless skin. Bunn's artistry and technique, in concert with light and shadow, conveys both the vitality and the precious interaction between this endearing primate pair. Also of note, according to the consignor, Bunn only created a few of these gorilla and baby compositions which were given to major donors of the Jane Goodall Foundation at a fundraiser in Denver, Colorado in the 1990s. Size: 4" L x 7" W x 5.5" H (10.2 cm x 17.8 cm x 14 cm); 6.75" H (17.1 cm) on included custom stand.
About the Artist: "Kenneth Bunn has been passionate about sculpture and anatomy since grammar school. Immediately following high school, Bunn attended an anatomy class at the Medical School of the University of Utah and then apprenticed at the National Museum of Natural History in Washington, D.C. Returning to Denver, Bunn continued to study anatomy while he worked for renowned taxidermist and sculptor Coloman Jonas. Bunn accepted commercial commissions, modeling figures and animals until the late 1960's, when he decided to pursue a sculpture career as an artist.
Bunn prefers to sculpt North American and African animals from life. In 1969, he made his first trip to Africa and since then has regularly revisited Botswana, Zimbabwe, and Kenya. He does quick on-site models and sketches, which are then actualized in the studio. Although he accurately depicts the animal's anatomy, Bunn often exaggerates sections in order to emphasize a specific strength or movement. He is often referred to as an impressionist because his pieces lack detail. However, the artist insists the overall impact of the piece is more important than accuracy. He says, 'I like to create the illusion of life-the spirit of the animal.' Bunn is fascinated by animal behavior and is partial to the big cat family.
Kenneth Bunn is a member of the National Academy of Design, the National Sculpture Society, the National Academy of Western Art, and the Society of Animal Artists. He has also received many awards for his sculptures, including the Barnett Award from the National Academy of Design, a Bronze Medal from the National Sculpture Society, and the Distinguished Wildlife Artist Award from the Leigh Yawkey Woodson Art Museum. His sculptures are recognized in many museums and private collections in North America, Europe, and Africa, including the Smithsonian Institution, the National Academy of Design, the National Sculpture Society, the Royal Ontario Museum, the Gilcrease Museum, and the National Museum of Wildlife Art, which houses ten of Bunn's works." (source: National Museum of Wildlife Art in Jackson Hole, Wyoming website)
Provenance: private Grand Junction, Colorado, USA collection - According to the consignor, Bunn only created a few of these gorilla and baby bronze sculptures which were given to major donors of the Jane Goodall Foundation at a fundraiser in Denver, Colorado in the 1990s.
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#195113
- Condition: Excellent. Signed "Bunn" followed by copyright symbol and "6" on verso (lower back/buttocks of larger gorilla). Mounted on a wood base which is also in excellent condition.
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