LOS ANGELES, CA.- Bonhams Los Angeles will present Modern Design | Art, an expertly curated sale featuring rare and important examples of 20th century decorative arts, paintings and sculpture to be held on April 24th at Bonhams Los Angeles showroom. Modern Design | Art is designed to appeal to both the Los Angeles and global collector and will be highlighted by superb pieces of furniture, decorative objects and art that showcase the Mexican Modernist design movement, many coming from the private collection of Los Angeles gallerist Robert Willson.

Modern Design | Art was curated by Jason Stein, Director of Modern Decorative Art + Design at Bonhams Los Angeles incorporating the most fascinating design and fine art that underline how we live in today’s modern environment. Several highlights include one of the largest collections of early American Bakelite radios; two dramatic Lalique cactus tables; a Paul Frankl Speed chair and ottoman originally belonging to actor Charlton Heston; and furniture, objects and paintings from the famed La Ronda estate in Palm Beach, designer Osvaldo Borsani’s last commission. The fine art in the April auction was selected for its rarity, collectability and ability to pair seamlessly with modernist furniture and objects. Stein has incorporated eclectic paintings and sculpture including a work by Abstract Expressionist and Color Field artist Cleve Gray; a significant bronze sculpture by renowned Cubist artist Joseph Csaky whose work can be found at the Museum of Modern Art, New York and uncommon works by Latin American artists Roberto Martinez and Rolando Rojas.

Furthermore, there are over a dozen important pieces that define the Mexican Modernism movement ca. 1950 to 1970 from such revered designers as Arturo Pani, Pedro Friedeberg, and Robert & Mito Block.

Adds Jason Stein: “The Mexican Modernism movement is enjoying a new relevance today. It represents an elegant yet informal way of living and feels really fresh. Mexican design and art hasn’t been over exposed and is still relatively unseen because many pieces were custom made for great homes.”

Additional rare items include:

● Ricardo Martinez Painting: (estimate: $20,000 - 30,000)

● Pair Lalique Cactus Tables (estimate: $25,000 - 35,000 each)

● Tony Duquette Talisman of Power necklace (estimate: $3,000 - 5,000)

The Modern Design | Art sale will preview for free at Bonhams Los Angeles from April 19-23 with the auction to be held April 24 at 11:00 a.m. PST.