Introduction
Matias Faldbakken is a contemporary artist born in 1973, recognized internationally for his radical and provocative approach to art-making. His practice spans sculpture, installation, film, photography, and wall paintings, consistently challenging conventional perceptions of materials, functionality, and artistic value. Faldbakken’s work engages critically with modernism and the contemporary art world, transforming everyday industrial and readymade materials into powerful artistic statements.
Biography
Matias Faldbakken emerged as a significant figure in contemporary art during the early 2000s, with his work documented extensively since 2006 in major institutional archives including the Contemporary Art Library. Born in 1973, Faldbakken developed a distinctive artistic practice characterized by his interest in transforming the existing language of forms related to particular periods in modernism, particularly through radical reinterpretation and subversion.
The artist’s practice is fundamentally rooted in exploring the conceptual and material boundaries between functionality and art. By negating the functionality of industrial items and readymade objects, then placing them within an art context, Faldbakken investigates the critical tipping-over moment in which these materials become recognized and valued as art. This approach demonstrates a sophisticated understanding of Marcel Duchamp’s legacy while simultaneously critiquing contemporary art market mechanisms and institutional validation processes.
Faldbakken’s work encompasses diverse media and scales. His sculptural practice includes notable works such as lacquered brick sculptures, where industrial building materials are transformed through color and presentation into contemplative art objects. His installations and wall paintings extend this investigation into spatial and environmental contexts, while his engagement with film and photography adds temporal and documentary dimensions to his conceptual inquiries.
The artist’s practice is renowned for its provocative attacks on both society and the art world itself. Rather than creating aesthetically pleasing objects, Faldbakken’s work functions as critical commentary, questioning the mechanisms through which value is assigned, how institutions legitimize artistic practice, and the relationship between material authenticity and artistic meaning. His work has been exhibited internationally and is represented by significant contemporary art galleries, establishing his position within the global contemporary art discourse.
Archive Matias Faldbakken
For contemporary artists like Matias Faldbakken, whose practice spans multiple media and installations, authentication and documentation are crucial elements of market credibility and institutional recognition. While Faldbakken’s work is documented through major institutional archives including the Contemporary Art Library, which maintains comprehensive records of his projects since 2006, the importance of proper certification cannot be overstated.
Given the conceptual and material nature of Faldbakken’s practice—particularly his use of industrial materials, installations, and site-specific works—authentication becomes especially significant. Certificates of authenticity, documentation of exhibition history, provenance records, and photographic documentation of installation processes are essential for establishing the legitimacy and value of his works. For collectors and institutions acquiring Faldbakken’s pieces, verification through gallery records, exhibition catalogs, and direct communication with established galleries representing the artist provides the necessary authentication framework.
The artist’s representation by established contemporary art galleries ensures that works sold through legitimate channels come with proper documentation and provenance. When acquiring works by Faldbakken, collectors should seek comprehensive documentation including exhibition history, gallery certificates, and clear provenance records. This documentation protects both the collector’s investment and ensures the work’s recognition within the international art market and institutional contexts.
Artwork Quotes
Matias Faldbakken’s market values reflect his established position within contemporary art, with works appearing regularly at major auction houses and through gallery sales. Based on available auction results and market data, his works demonstrate consistent demand among collectors and institutions.
Smaller works and works on paper, including mixed media pieces and photographic works, typically range from €5,000 to €15,000. Mid-scale sculptures and installations, including lacquered works and significant mixed media pieces, generally fall within the €10,000 to €30,000 range. Larger sculptural installations and significant works with substantial exhibition histories may command prices from €20,000 to €50,000 or higher, depending on provenance, condition, and exhibition documentation.
Works featuring isolation tape on canvas and other signature materials have been estimated at €10,000 to €15,000 at major auction houses such as Artcurial. The artist’s market has demonstrated stability and growth, with consistent representation across international auction platforms and gallery sales.
Price variations depend significantly on several factors: the scale and complexity of the work, the completeness of documentation and provenance, exhibition history and institutional recognition, the condition of the piece, and the specific materials and techniques employed. Works with comprehensive exhibition histories and institutional provenance command premium valuations within the market.
The values indicated are generated from the analysis of auction results and are for informational purposes only. Pontiart disclaims any responsibility for the accuracy and timeliness of such data. For a precise valuation please contact our experts.
Artwork Valuations
The international art market recognizes Matias Faldbakken as a significant contemporary artist with growing institutional and collector interest. His work is valued through multiple channels including major auction houses, contemporary art galleries, and institutional acquisitions, reflecting his established position within global contemporary art discourse.
Faldbakken’s market valuation is supported by several key factors: extensive documentation through institutional archives and the Contemporary Art Library; representation by established contemporary art galleries including Galerie Eva Presenhuber; consistent appearance in major auction results; and recognition across international art platforms including Artnet and Artsy, which document his 121+ artworks and provide comprehensive market analysis.
The artist’s valuation reflects the conceptual rigor and critical importance of his practice. Works are valued not merely as aesthetic objects but as significant contributions to contemporary discourse on materiality, institutional critique, and the nature of artistic value itself. Collectors and institutions acquiring Faldbakken’s work recognize the intellectual and artistic significance of his practice, supporting valuations that reflect both market demand and cultural importance.
Market trends indicate sustained and growing interest in Faldbakken’s work, particularly among collectors and institutions focused on conceptual art, institutional critique, and contemporary sculpture. The stability of his market values, combined with consistent exhibition activity and institutional recognition, positions his work as a sound investment within the contemporary art market. Works with strong provenance and exhibition history demonstrate the strongest market performance and appreciation potential.
Buy Artworks
Pontiart specializes in acquiring and selling works by Matias Faldbakken, offering collectors direct access to his contemporary practice. Whether you are seeking to acquire a specific work or exploring available pieces, our gallery provides professional guidance and market expertise.
To purchase works by Matias Faldbakken: Contact Pontiart directly to discuss your collecting interests and requirements. We maintain relationships with galleries, collectors, and institutions, enabling us to locate available works matching your criteria. Upon contact, our specialists will inform you about currently available pieces, provide detailed information about each work, and facilitate acquisition through secure and professional channels.
Gallery Services: Pontiart offers comprehensive support for collectors acquiring contemporary art. Our team provides detailed artwork information, authentication verification, provenance documentation, and market guidance. We ensure complete transparency regarding pricing, condition, and all relevant documentation before purchase.
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