Health /Lifestyles World

Christie’s Hong Kong Presents Auction Debut for Major Masterpieces by Jeff Koons and Rene Magritte at Christie’s Asia

News Mania May 17, 2023

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28 – 29 May | Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre

Dynamic Yayoi Kusama Line-Up Spanning 1968 to 2015

1^st left column, from top to bottom:

YAYOI KUSAMA (B. 1929), Flowers, acrylic on canvas, 130.3 x 97 cm. (51 1/3 x 38 1/5 in.). Painted in 2015.

Estimate: HK$32,000,000 – 55,000,000 / US$4,100,000 – 7,000,000

WU GUANZHONG (1919-2010), The Yulong Mountains after Rain, oil on canvas, 91.4 x 65.2 cm. (36 x 25 7/8 in.). Painted in 1996.

Estimate: HK$17,000,000 – 27,000,000 / US$2,200,000 – 3,500,000

2^nd middle column:

JEFF KOONS (B. 1955), Sacred Heart (Magenta/Gold), mirror-polished stainless steel with transparent colour coating sculpture, 356.9 (H) x 218.4 x 121 cm. (140 � x 86 x 47 in.). Executed in 1994-2007. This is one of five unique versions.

Estimate: HK$50,000,000 – 70,000,000 / US$6,400,000 – 9,000,000

Photo Credit: Ela Bialkowska. Courtesy Palazzo Strozzi

3^rd right column, from top to bottom:

JEAN-MICHEL BASQUIAT (1960-1988), Black, acrylic, oil, graphite, oilstick and Xerox on wood, 126.4 (H) x 92.7 x 29.2 cm.

(49 � x 36 � x 11 � in.), Executed in 1986.
Estimate: HK$55,000,000 – 75,000,000 / US$7,100,000 – 9,600,000

RENE MAGRITTE (1898-1967), Le promenoir des amants, oil on canvas, 93 x 74.3 cm. (36 5/8 x 29 1/4 in.) Painted in 1929-1930.
Estimate: HK$24,000,000 – 35,000,000 / US$3,100,000 – 4,500,000

Hong Kong – From 28 – 29 May, Christie’s Hong Kong is poised to dazzle the global art community with an extraordinary, diverse selection of seminal works, featuring both world-renowned masters and rising talents. Highly-sought after artists, including Jeff Koons, Yayoi Kusama, Jean-Michel Basquiat, Rene Magritte, Zao Wou-Ki, Jean-Paul Riopelle, Wu Guanzhong, Yoshitomo Nara, and Nicolas Party among others, will grace the spotlight. Presented across four curated auctions: the 20^th/21^st Century Art Evening Sale, the Post-Millennium Evening Sale, the 20^th Century Art Day Sale, andthe 21^st Century Art Day Sale, this event offers an unparalleled artistic experience for collectors and enthusiasts worldwide.

Evelyn Lin, Deputy Chairman and Co-Head of the 20^th and 21^st Century Art Department, Christie’s Asia Pacific, commented, “We are eagerly anticipating our upcoming auctions, which will showcase a meticulously curated selection that encapsulates the breadth and depth of artistic talent, ranging from esteemed masters to promising emerging artists. Our unique position in Hong Kong enables us to present a balanced offering that resonates with collectors around the world. Moreover, we are committed to fostering and championing works by younger artists, staying in tune with contemporary market trends while ensuring a dynamic, diverse array of pieces. As travel restrictions lift, we are thrilled to welcome art enthusiasts from across the globe to partake in the exhilarating experience of our auctions this May in Hong Kong.”

Cristian Albu, Deputy Chairman and Co-Head of the 20^th and 21^st Century Art Department, Christie’s Asia Pacific, added, “We take great pleasure in presenting our upcoming sales, which encompass an extraordinary array of works from legendary artists such as Jean-Michel Basquiat, Jeff Koons, Andy Warhol, Rene Magritte, Zao Wou-Ki, and others, alongside inspiring emerging talents. These iconic artists continue to be in high demand among collectors, a testament to their lasting impact and artistic prowess. Furthermore, we have observed a maturation and acceleration in the appreciation and acquisition of contemporary art in Asia, and our curation thoughtfully responds to this trend. We are confident that our commitment to offering a broad and exceptional range of pieces will contribute to another successful season of sales.”

28 MAY – 20TH/21ST CENTURY ART EVENING SALE

28 MAY – POST-MILLENNIUM EVENING SALE

This Spring, Christie’s Hong Kong will unveil our second Post-Millennium Evening Sale, a thematic sale that constellates works responding to the ever-evolving world of images compelled by technologies and the ephemeral content of our times. Traversing from Nicolas Party to Avery Singer, and from Michaela Yearwood-Dan to Jia Aili, one is inspired by the objects, landscapes and fleeting imagery positioned between and beyond reality and imagination, prompting a reconsideration of the vision and momentum that define our era.

29 MAY – 20TH CENTURY ART DAY SALE

Showcasing the creations of Asian masters who bridge the gap between East and West, as well as their distinguished European contemporaries, the 20^th Century Art Day Sale explores the journey of modern art across time and geographical boundaries. The sale is led by an extremely rare double-sided painting by Sanyu from the 1930s, fresh to the market and in excellent condition. The sale also offers a unique group of paintings by Zao Wou-Ki, including a work from the collection of the artist’s daughter, Madame Sin-May Zao. Powerful works by Gerhard Richter and Bernard Buffet are presented in juxtaposition with serene pictures by Fernando Zóbel and Lee Ufan. The sale also features artworks by prominent artists from Southeast Asia. Remarkable paintings on silk, canvas, and lacquer by Vietnamese masters; an exciting lineup of works by Filipino artists such as Anita Magsaysay-Ho; Indonesian artists led by Affandi; and Singaporean pioneer artists like Liu Kang are all included.

29 MAY – 21ST CENTURY ART DAY SALE

This auction brings together a selection of works that comb through the global history of contemporary art while encapsulating the momentum of the 21^st Century. Headlined by Nicolas Party’s striking landscape, Rocks, the sale showcases a range of Yayoi Kusama’s extraordinary works across various mediums and periods, including her one-of-a-kind and profound work Fantasizing in the Smoke. Iconic pictures by Zhang Xiaogang and Jia Aili are complemented by enigmatic pieces from Duan Jianyu and Cui Jie, forming an exceptional line-up of Chinese contemporary art. With internationally established and up-and-rising artists, additional highlights include works by Yoshitomo Nara, Alex Katz, Emi Kuraya, MR., Hernan Bas, and Caroline Walker, among others. This multifaceted assortment provides enthusiasts a distinctive chance to broaden and enhance their art collections.