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Cary Leibowitz Sold at Auction Prices

b. 1963 -

Since his emergence in the 1990s, Cary Leibowitz has established himself as a self-loathing, reluctant artist with a stellar reputation for making incredibly simple and effective art. Also known by his humoristic artistic pseudonym of Candy Ass, Leibowitz critiques the pretentiousness of the art world and the commodification of today’s art. This New York-based author also foregrounds his gay and Jewish identity, exploring how it places him outside of the mainstream American society. Cary Leibowitz has an extremely broad range of mediums in which he feels comfortable as he creates prints, paintings, sculptures and installations, all full of humor and pathos.

Growing up in a suburb of New York City, Leibowitz felt like a chubby, unattractive, Jewish kid who struggled with assimilation. This self-loathing sensibility was exactly what underlined his initial artistic endeavors and placed Cary on the map of the 1990s American art. Unlike appropriation art of the ‘80s that simply appropriated images of mass culture and, to an extent, further propagated those images, Leibowitz shared his personal, albeit excruciatingly honest, views on the world. His work was also a response to the degrading and humiliating effects of the mass culture. Cary’s practice often required him to incorporate such everyday items as mugs and knitted caps into his pieces, altering them with pointed text and arranging them into unlikely forms.

In the ‘90s, Leibowitz was criticized in American gay circles for producing art that was not politically engaged enough. Additionally, he was criticized by art pundits for being too honest and open for contemporary standards as they were claiming he ventured too far off the mainstream course – as if that was not the author’s main artistic quest. However, this all changed over time as Cary became renowned for his creative bravery and willingness to expose his most intimate views on the world and our society. The best evidence of how the perception of this artist changed is Leibowitz’s first ever museum show held in the month of June in 2017, an exhibition that was held at the Contemporary Jewish Museum in San Francisco. Including over 350 of Cary’s works from 1987 to the present, this show was a true marvel and a crown of the author’s career, an evidence of just how long a road Leibowitz had to traverse in order to be where he is today.

Cary Leibowitz certainly does make do with what is and, not surprisingly, the result is often a mess – he often ends up plastering the walls with paintings, photographs and ephemera, filling them with handwritten one-liner puns referring to queerness, Jewishness and art history. And, you know what? We absolutely love it. The seemingly random juxtapositions of artworks in his shows resemble the inside of a chaotic teenager’s room, slightly disturbed but full of realistic emotions and the willingness to be honest when observing the world outside of its walls. Yes, the art of Leibowitz isn’t for everybody, but those who find themselves comfortable with this man’s style and topics have found themselves a favorite artist for all ages.

Cary Leibowitz lives and works in New York City, the United States.

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  • Cary S. Leibowitz 'Candyass' (American, New York, b 1961)
    Dec. 19, 2024

    Cary S. Leibowitz 'Candyass' (American, New York, b 1961)

    Est: $100 - $300

    Two multiples: an offset poster, edition of 120. Signed at the bottom and numbered 51/120. 31 1/2 x 21"; 32 1/4 x 21 1/2" (framed); together with a plastic-handled bag reading "Vomit." Signed by the artist and inscribed: "Hey Fred, Barf Here" with a Sharpie drawing in "o." 15 1/4 x 17 1/2". Edition unknown. Modeled here with drag queen Coleslaw, star of Season 4 of Ru Paul's Drag Race Camp Wannakiki, dressed in pieces from lots 36 and 68.

    Vallot Auctioneers
  • CARY LEIBOWITZ (AMERICAN, b. 1963).
    Dec. 08, 2024

    CARY LEIBOWITZ (AMERICAN, b. 1963).

    Est: $300 - $500

    '4 Todd Honey Happy Birthday', 1988. Posted envelope fragment and felt tip pen. Artist's stamp lower right. Verso: Artist initialed dedication inscription. Note: Includes copy of Anita Loos "Gentlemen Prefer Blondes' inscribed and dedicated by the artist. Property from a New Rochelle, NY estate. Dimensions: 4" h x 4" w. Frame: 8.625" h x 8.625" w. (Two items in lot)

    Clarke Auction Gallery
  • CARY LEIBOWITZ (AMERICAN, b. 1963).
    Dec. 08, 2024

    CARY LEIBOWITZ (AMERICAN, b. 1963).

    Est: $800 - $1,200

    'Mine Eyes Have Seen The Glory of Judy at Carnegie Hall'. Collage on photograph. Property from a New Rochelle, NY estate. Dimensions: "10" h x 8" w. Frame: 15.50" h x 13.375" w.

    Clarke Auction Gallery
  • CARY S. LEIBOWITZ (CANDY ASS) ((AMERICAN, B. 1963)
    Nov. 27, 2024

    CARY S. LEIBOWITZ (CANDY ASS) ((AMERICAN, B. 1963)

    Est: $200 - $400

    Cary S. Leibowitz (Candy Ass) ((American, b. 1963) House of LiebowitzPuffy Print, 2007, Ink, plastic and foam seat cushion, Numbered 24/90 and signed on verso. H: 13 W: 13 D: 1 1/2 in. Property from the Toby Devan Lewis Collection.

    Gray's Auctioneers
  • Cary S. "Candyass" Leibowitz, she was an ordinary girl... (two works)
    Oct. 10, 2024

    Cary S. "Candyass" Leibowitz, she was an ordinary girl... (two works)

    Est: $1,500 - $2,000

    Cary S. "Candyass" Leibowitz she was an ordinary girl... (two works) 1989 screenprint on dry-cleaning bag 30 h x 27.75 w in (76 x 70 cm) Provenance: The Jake and Ruth Bloom Collection This work will ship from Los Angeles, California.

    Los Angeles Modern Auctions
  • Things To Do: Art, Fruit, Computers, Anal Sex
    Jun. 21, 2023

    Things To Do: Art, Fruit, Computers, Anal Sex

    Est: $2,000 - $3,000

    Cary Leibowitz b. 1963 Things To Do: Art, Fruit, Computers, Anal Sex signed, dated 1998 and inscribed 4 White Columns 1999 (on the reverse) latex on wood 13¾ by 8 in. 34.9 by 20.3 cm. Executed in 1998.

    Sotheby's
  • Cary S. "Candyass" Leibowitz, Homo State; Go Fags (two works)
    Apr. 20, 2023

    Cary S. "Candyass" Leibowitz, Homo State; Go Fags (two works)

    Est: $700 - $900

    Cary S. "Candyass" Leibowitz Homo State; Go Fags (two works) 1989 printed wool felt each: 8.75 h x 24 w in (22 x 61 cm) Signed, dated and numbered to left edge of each work 'A.P. C.S.L candyass 89'. These works are artist's proofs apart from the editions of 100. This work will ship from Chicago, Illinois.

    Wright
  • Cary Leibowitz (b. 1963) if i’ve said it once i’ve said it 50 fucking times, 202
    Dec. 21, 2022

    Cary Leibowitz (b. 1963) if i’ve said it once i’ve said it 50 fucking times, 202

    Est: $500 - $700

    Cary Leibowitz (b. 1963) if i've said it once i've said it 50 fucking times, 2021 Office copier print 11 x 8-1/2 inches (27.9 x 21.6 cm) (sheet) Ed. 23/50 Signed, numbered, and dated in pencil verso HID01801242017

    Heritage Auctions
  • Cary S. Leibowitz, Fuck
    Dec. 15, 2022

    Cary S. Leibowitz, Fuck

    Est: $400 - $600

    Cary S. Leibowitz Fuck 1990 latex on paper, artist's frame with nylon rope 8.25 h × 11 w in (21 × 28 cm) Provenance: Stux Gallery, New York | Shoshana Wayne Gallery, Los Angeles | Collection of Virgil Young | Thence by decent Exhibited: Candyass Carnival, 19 October - 16 November 1991, Stux Gallery, New York This work will ship from LAMA in Los Angeles, California.

    Los Angeles Modern Auctions
  • Cary Leibowitz Ye Olde CandyAss Mug & Poem Tote
    Jun. 16, 2022

    Cary Leibowitz Ye Olde CandyAss Mug & Poem Tote

    Est: $200 - $300

    Cary Leibowitz / Candy Ass (American b. 1936) Ye Olde CandyAss ceramic mug and A Poem for End of 2018 by Cary L. silkscreen fabric tote. Tote bag signed in ink. Tote bag: 13 1/2" x 13 3/4".

    Willow Auction House
  • 4 Cary Leibowitz Signed Colorful Depression Pennants
    Feb. 05, 2022

    4 Cary Leibowitz Signed Colorful Depression Pennants

    Est: $150 - $300

    4 Cary Leibowitz Signed Colorful Depression Pennants. This is a wonderful set of four colorful pennants made by the artist, Cary Leibowitz (American, b.1963). Written on the pennants is: "Misery Rules, Drop Dead, Life Sucks, and Go Sadness." All of the pennants are signed by the artist and three of them have been editioned. These wonderful pieces would look great hanging together in any modern designed room. Dimensions are 9.24 in h x 24 in w. Condition is excellent. Please call or email for a detailed condition report.

    Public Sale Auction House
  • CARY LEIBOWITZ / CANDYASS (1963 - ) Class Fag / Classy Fag.
    Aug. 19, 2021

    CARY LEIBOWITZ / CANDYASS (1963 - ) Class Fag / Classy Fag.

    Est: $600 - $900

    CARY LEIBOWITZ / CANDYASS (1963 - ) Class Fag / Classy Fag. Photo collage. 230x345 mm; 9 1/8x13 1/2 inches. Signed and dated in pencil, verso. 2016. "Class Fag" is a portrait of Paul Lynde, an iconic American comedian and a favorite after school star. "Classy Fag" depicts Gore Vidal, the American writer and intellectual. Provenance: collection of the artist, New York; private collection, New York.

    Swann Auction Galleries
  • CARY LEIBOWITZ / CANDYASS (1963 - ) Pair of Homo State pennants.
    Aug. 19, 2021

    CARY LEIBOWITZ / CANDYASS (1963 - ) Pair of Homo State pennants.

    Est: $200 - $300

    CARY LEIBOWITZ / CANDYASS (1963 - ) Pair of Homo State pennants. Printed wool felt pennants. Each 610x225 mm; 24x9 inches. Each signed, dated and numbered 25/100 in pen and ink, lower edge. 1989. Provenance: collection the artist, New York; private collection, New York.

    Swann Auction Galleries
  • Leibowitz, C.S. (Candy Ass) (b.1963). "Everyone I know went to the candyass carnival and all i got w
    Nov. 29, 2018

    Leibowitz, C.S. (Candy Ass) (b.1963). "Everyone I know went to the candyass carnival and all i got w

    Est: €100 - €150

    Leibowitz, C.S. (Candy Ass) (b.1963). "Everyone I know went to the candyass carnival and all i got was this lousy t-shirt." White plush teddy bear, 17,5x11x11 cm., 1990, with red t-shirt. = T-shirt SIGNED and DATED "91" in black felt tip pen on back. Idem. Toøp Secret. New York, Stux Gallery, (1990), calendar, (12) lvs, tinted photogr. ills., orig. wr. = SIGNED in black felt tip pen on frontwrapper.

    Bubb > Kuyper: Auctioneers of Books, Fine Arts & Manuscripts
  • CARY LEIBOWITZ (B. 1963) | Hey! i'm not depressed anymore, 2014-2015
    Jul. 20, 2018

    CARY LEIBOWITZ (B. 1963) | Hey! i'm not depressed anymore, 2014-2015

    Est: $4,000 - $6,000

    acrylic on panel; signed and dated '2014-15' on the reverse

    Sotheby's
  • Cary Leibowitz (CandyAss), Four Pennants
    Jan. 06, 2018

    Cary Leibowitz (CandyAss), Four Pennants

    Est: $500 - $700

    Cary Leibowitz (CandyAss) (American, born 1963) Four works: "Life Sucks," "Drop Dead," "Go Saddness," and "Misery Rules" - 1990 Printed felt pennants Each signed and dated to verso and numbered 6/250 Approx. 9" x 24" (each) Provenance: From the Collection of Hillman Holland of Atlanta, Georgia.

    Ahlers & Ogletree Inc.
  • Cary Leibowitz (b. 1963)
    Jun. 25, 2017

    Cary Leibowitz (b. 1963)

    Est: $200 - $300

    Mutha of Us All ! 2013, Enamel on Wood Panel, 18" x 16", Signed on Verso, Framed. Currently showing at Contemporary Jewish Museum, San Francisco, CA.

    James Cox Gallery
  • Cary S. Leibowitz (Candy Ass) (b. 1963) Four Works Including 'Gay Art, 1991', Black and white photograph with ink,
    Sep. 28, 2016

    Cary S. Leibowitz (Candy Ass) (b. 1963) Four Works Including 'Gay Art, 1991', Black and white photograph with ink,

    Est: $200 - $400

    Cary S. Leibowitz (Candy Ass) (b. 1963) Four Works Including 'Gay Art, 1991', Black and white photograph with ink, Edition of 400, signed and dedicated to Bill. Also comprising of 'Sissy (Football), 1991,' signed and dedicated to Bill; a Candy Ass carnival stuffed teddy bear, signed and dedicated to Bill; a wooden diminutive baseball bat, signed and dedicated to Bill; and a silkscreen Car-cool cardboard accordion windshield shade, signed and dated '91. H: 8 W: 10 in. From The Collection of Bill Radawec (1952-2011).

    Gray's Auctioneers
  • CARY LEIBOWITZ (USA/1963) Sans titre
    Apr. 11, 2016

    CARY LEIBOWITZ (USA/1963) Sans titre

    Est: €400 - €600

    CARY LEIBOWITZ (USA/1963) Sans titre Collage sur papier 30.5 x 23.5 cm Collage on paper 12 x 9 1/4 in

    Leclere - Maison de ventes
  • Cary S. Leibowitz (aka Candy ass) (né en 1963) Ball, 1990
    Dec. 02, 2015

    Cary S. Leibowitz (aka Candy ass) (né en 1963) Ball, 1990

    Est: €100 - €150

    Cary S. Leibowitz (aka Candy ass) (né en 1963) Ball, 1990 Open Edition Signé 28 cm de large

    Piasa
  • Cary S. Leibowitz (Candyass) (né en 1963)
    Jun. 07, 2012

    Cary S. Leibowitz (Candyass) (né en 1963)

    Est: €800 - €1,200

    Cary S. Leibowitz (Candyass) (né en 1963) Heart Ensemble de cinq gouaches sur papier. Signées au dos. Provenance : Galerie Antoine Candeau, Paris

    Pierre Bergé & Associés
  • Modern & Contemporary Art Work by Cary Leibowitz
    Jun. 23, 2010

    Modern & Contemporary Art Work by Cary Leibowitz

    Est: €400 - €700

    Modern & Contemporary Art Work by Cary Leibowitz

    Dorotheum
  • Modern & Contemporary Art Work by Cary Leibowitz
    Jun. 23, 2010

    Modern & Contemporary Art Work by Cary Leibowitz

    Est: €500 - €900

    Modern & Contemporary Art Work by Cary Leibowitz

    Dorotheum
  • Cary Leibowitz (Candyass) (American, b. 1963)
    Nov. 15, 2008

    Cary Leibowitz (Candyass) (American, b. 1963)

    Est: $1,000 - $1,500

    Cary Leibowitz (Candyass) (American, b. 1963) Please Check One, 1999; Latex on wood; Signed and dated; 31 1/8'' x 18''; Exhibition: ''Situation Comedy-Humor in Recent Art,'' Independent Curators International, New York, September 2005-September 2007 (label on verso); Provenance: Andrew Kreps Gallery, New York; Private Collection

    Rago Arts and Auction Center
  • Cary S. Leibowitz (Born New York 1963) Untitled,
    Apr. 29, 2008

    Cary S. Leibowitz (Born New York 1963) Untitled,

    Est: -

    Cary S. Leibowitz (Born New York 1963) Untitled, monogrammed CSL on reverse, signed, dated Cary Leibowitz, Vienna 91, collage on paper, 39 x 48 cm, framed, (PP)

    Dorotheum
  • Cary S. Leibowitz (born 1963 in New York) "Don't
    Feb. 27, 2008

    Cary S. Leibowitz (born 1963 in New York) "Don't

    Est: €600 - €800

    Cary S. Leibowitz (born 1963 in New York) "Don't look 422 much", monogrammed, signed and dated on the reverse CSL/Candyass Wien 1991, emulsion paint on cardboard, 43.7 x 30.5 cm, slightly damaged, framed, (K)

    Dorotheum
  • Cary S. Leibowitz (born 1963 in New York)
    Feb. 27, 2008

    Cary S. Leibowitz (born 1963 in New York)

    Est: €600 - €800

    Cary S. Leibowitz (born 1963 in New York) "Candyass Cemetery", monogrammed, signed and dated on the reverse CSL/Candyass 91 Wien, emulsion paint on cardboard, 75 x 41 cm, paint loss, framed, (K)

    Dorotheum
  • Cary S. Leibowitz (born New York 1963) Untitled, monogrammed verso 'CSL', signed and dated Cary Leibowitz, Vienna 91, collage on paper, 39 x 48 cm, framed, (PM)
    Feb. 01, 2005

    Cary S. Leibowitz (born New York 1963) Untitled, monogrammed verso 'CSL', signed and dated Cary Leibowitz, Vienna 91, collage on paper, 39 x 48 cm, framed, (PM)

    Est: €600 - €800

    Cary S. Leibowitz (born New York 1963) Untitled, monogrammed verso 'CSL', signed and dated Cary Leibowitz, Vienna 91, collage on paper, 39 x 48 cm, framed, (PM)

    Dorotheum
  • Cary S. Leibowitz (born New York 1963) Untitled, monogrammed verso 'CSL', signed and dated Cary Leibowitz, Vienna 91, collage on paper, 30 x 40 cm, framed, (PM)
    Feb. 01, 2005

    Cary S. Leibowitz (born New York 1963) Untitled, monogrammed verso 'CSL', signed and dated Cary Leibowitz, Vienna 91, collage on paper, 30 x 40 cm, framed, (PM)

    Est: €600 - €800

    Cary S. Leibowitz (born New York 1963) Untitled, monogrammed verso 'CSL', signed and dated Cary Leibowitz, Vienna 91, collage on paper, 30 x 40 cm, framed, (PM)

    Dorotheum
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