Brimming with intriguing texts and bold graphics, American artist Raymond Pettibon has an oeuvre that has not only become iconic in its own right, but largely synonymous with the Southern California punk-rock scene of the 1980s. Initially studying economics before pivoting and earning his M.F.A in 1977, the late 1970s saw Pettibon part of punk rock band Black Flag. He designed Black Flag’s now widely recognizable logo comprised of four black bars, an abstraction of a black flag waving in the wind, and an early indicator of the artist’s penchant for graphic design and subtle yet nuanced compositions. Pettibon went on to design everything from album covers to merchandise, and soon began creating works on paper as well as animations, installations, and unique artist’s books.

Raymond Pettibon, No Title (Our Secret Spot) (2022

Raymond Pettibon, No Title (Our Secret Spot) (2022). Est. $40,000–$60,000.

Despite the diversity of Pettibon’s artistic practice, ink on paper has remained a preferred medium to which he occasionally adds color via watercolor, acrylic, gouache paints, pencil, or collage. Though today the artist lives and works in New York, reflecting his history and origins in Southern California, and more specifically his time living in Venice Beach, is one of his most acclaimed on recurring motifs: ocean waves, frequently with a surfer riding them. For over three decades, Pettibon has continually returned to and explored this motif, contributing understated yet powerful additions and changes.

Raymond Pettibon, Untitled (When the Ground Becomes Hard and Firm) (2002)

Raymond Pettibon, Untitled (When the Ground Becomes Hard and Firm) (2002). Est. $7,000–$10,000.

No Title (Our Secret Spot) (2022) in the Contemporary Editions sale presented by Artnet Auctions is a unique example of one of these ongoing series, depicting a massive wave with a comparatively minute surfer in red. Poetic and playful, as another iteration of the work first produced in 1985, the piece speaks to Pettibon’s preoccupation with the composition, which has become one of his most sought-after works.

Another lot within the sale, Untitled When the Ground Becomes Hard and Firm (2002), further exemplifies this line of inquiry into the capacity for ink line drawing and restrained use of color to express emotion, memory, and landscape. Another 2002 edition of this composition, hand-colored with acrylic and thus unique, realized the highest price achieved for this print by Artnet Auctions, speaking to its ongoing desirability and widespread appeal.

Contemporary Editions is live for bidding now through November 21, 2024.