MEL BOCHNER (American, b. 1940)
Kvetch (2014)
oil on velvet painting
signed verso in Sharpie
7-3/4 x 11-3/4 inches [19.7 x 29.8 cm]
PRICE: on request
Kvetch /kveCH,kəˈveCH/ informal•North American, noun – a person who complains a great deal.
“Kvetch” is part of Bochner’s exploration of Yiddish and colloquial expressions. The word “kvetch” originates from the Yiddish kvetshn (to squeeze or press) and entered English vernacular as a term for someone who habitually complains. The humor and cultural specificity of the term complement Bochner’s frequent use of expressive, exaggerated language in his works. The tactile, glossy finish of oil paint on velvet lends a rich, almost decadent texture to this composition, visually amplifying the emotive impact of the word. The repetition of “Kvetch” in dripping, vividly colored block letters evoke a cacophony of voices, reflecting the act of persistent complaining.
Bochner’s smaller works, such as “Kvetch,” are highly sought after by collectors due to their intimate scale and playful, thought-provoking nature. Recent years have seen a consistent rise in demand for his text-based compositions, particularly pieces that integrate humor and cultural references. The asking price of $27,500 for this piece aligns with his market for similar-sized oil on velvet works, which have fetched between $25,000 and $50,000 at auction and gallery sales. Larger-scale paintings can command prices exceeding $300,000, reflecting the broader appeal of his oeuvre across private and institutional collectors.
