George Michael’s art collection – which will come under the hammer at
Christie’s in London on March 14 – is a snapshot of the YBA (Young British Art) Movement. It comprises work by artists like Damien Hirst, Tracey Emin, Sarah Lucas, Michael Craig-Martin and Marc Quinn.
Christie’s say the collection represents George Michael’s dedication to cutting edge creativity in every field and reflects his instinctive support of young emerging artistic talent. Proceeds will be used to continue George Michael’s philanthropic work.
The flagship auction will take place alongside an online sale which will be open for bidding from March 8-15. Estimates range from £400 to £1.5 million.
Key works will include Tracey Emin’s Drunk to the Bottom of my Soul (2002), Damien Hirst’s The Incomplete Truth, 2006, Bridget Riley’s Songbird, 1982 and Michael Craig-Martin’s Commissioned Portrait Untitled (George) 2007.
The singer and songwriter, who died on Christmas Day in 2016, was one of the most influential and best selling artists of all time. Through visits to galleries and artists’ studios he developed friendships with many of the YBA artists. Wham! was the first major western act to perform in China with two historic concerts in 1985. Christie’s global tour of this collection will include a stop in Shanghai, as well as New York, Los Angeles and Hong Kong. The collection will be on view at King St. in London from March 9-14.
Jussi Pylkkanen, global president, Christie’s commented: : “The viewing of over 200 works of art from the private collection will provide a fascinating insight into the broader tastes of a man who was deeply admired all over the world”.
George Michael’s trustees say that philanthropic work was hugely important for George during his lifetime and it was his wish that this would continue after his passing.
UPDATE: THE SALE REALISED £9,264,000: The evening auction welcomed registered bidders from 27 countries across 5 continents, reflecting the global appeal of George Michael and the YBAs. The evening sale comprised 60 lots and was 100% sold, with competitive bidding in the saleroom in London and via simulcast from New York.
THE COMBINED TOTAL, INCLUDING THE ONLINE AUCTION, REACHED £11,328,125.
Tracey Emin – Drunk to the bottom of my soul (£180,000-250,000). Courtesy Christie’s Images Ltd., 2019. UPDATE: THIS SOLD FOR £275,000
Michael Craig-Martin – Commissioned Portrait Untitled (George) (wall mounted LCD monitor/computer) (£40,000-60,000). Courtesy Christie’s Images Ltd., 2019. UPDATE: THIS SOLD ONLINE FOR £175,000
Damien Hirst – The Incomplete Truth (£1-£1.5 million) Courtesy Christie’s Images Ltd., 2019. UPDATE: THIS SOLD FR £911,250
Bridget Riley – Songbird (£400,000-600,000). Courtesy Christie’s Images Ltd., 2019. UPDATE: THIS SOLD FOR £791,250
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on Sunday, February 17th, 2019 at 12:13 pm and is filed under ART, AUCTIONS.
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