AI Appraisal Estimate

This is a distinctive mixed media relief assemblage by the Russian-American 'street artist' Konstantin Bokov. Measuring approximately 11 1/4 inches wide by 14 1/4 inches high, the piece utilizes found objects and synthetic materials mounted on a flat substrate. The central figure is a profile of a person rendered in vibrant red and orange plastic remnants, featuring a mechanical-looking headpiece that resembles a helmet or cap. Notable integrated objects include a crushed red plastic bottle housed within a 'RECYCLE' compartment, a brown glass bottle with a blue cap and straw, and various industrial metal fasteners. The background is a pale green, decorated with hand-drawn graffiti elements including the words 'NEW YORK', 'OK!!', 'UP', and a star. The work is signed 'BoKov 1991' in two locations at the top, though a digital timestamp indicates a 2015 photo date. The piece exhibits the raw, folk-art quality characteristic of Bokov’s 'Recyclable Art' movement. The materials show intentional industrial wear, surface scratches, and weathering consistent with found-object art produced in the late 20th century. The construction is robust but deliberately primitive, using visible screws and bolts to attach heavy plastic components, reflecting the artist's philosophy of transforming discarded urban debris into expressive human forms.

I have virtually examined this 1991 mixed media relief assemblage attributed to Konstantin Bokov. The work epitomizes Bokov’s 'Recyclable Art' aesthetic, utilizing salvaged plastics, industrial fasteners, and glass bottles. The condition appears consistent with the artist’s 'Art for People' philosophy, where weathering and surface abrasions are intentional characteristics of the medium. The composition is strong, featuring a profile figure that bridges the gap between urban folk art and modern consumerist critique. Market demand for Bokov is steady within the Outsider Art and New York 'Sticker Art' niches. Comparables for small-to-medium assemblages typically realize prices between $300 and $900 at auction or through specialized galleries. The dual dating (1991 on the piece vs. a 2015 digital timestamp) suggests a potential delay in documentation or a later revision, which is not uncommon in contemporary street art but requires clarification. Value is driven by the work’s provenance and the visibility of the signature. While the piece displays hallmarks of Bokov’s hand—specifically the crude mechanical integration of plastic waste—this appraisal acknowledges limitations. A digital image cannot verify the structural integrity of the mounts or the chemical stability of the adhesives used. Full authentication would require a physical inspection to verify the age of the substrate, a review of provenance (such as a gallery receipt or a record from the artist’s East Harlem studio), and comparison against known examples in the 'Raw Vision' or 'American Folk Art' databases. The current valuation reflects its status as an iconic representative of late 20th-century New York recyclables.