George Michael’s art collection was sold at Christie’s in London on March 14, 2019, following his death in 2016. The auction included works by some of the most important contemporary artists of the 20th and 21st centuries, including Damien Hirst, Tracey Emin, and Bridget Riley.
One of the most unusual aspects of the auction was the fact that many of the works had never been seen in public before. Michael was a private collector who kept his art collection hidden from the public eye, and so the auction was the first opportunity for many people to view these works.
Another unusual aspect of the auction was the inclusion of several personal items from Michael’s life, such as his iconic leather jacket from the “Faith” music video, which sold for over $175,000, and a pair of his sunglasses, which sold for over $120,000.
Perhaps the most unusual item in the auction was a piece of toast that had been partially eaten by Michael and was being sold as a piece of memorabilia. The toast, which had been placed in a plastic bag with a label that read “George Michael Ate This,” was expected to sell for between £500 and £1,000, but ultimately sold for over £3,000.
Items from George Michaels Art Collection were displayed for public exhibition and auctioned at Christie’s in London. It raised £11.3 million pounds for charity. Attracting some 15 000 visitors. The proceeds from the auction were donated to Michael’s favorite charities, including Childline and the Terrence Higgins Trust.
Comprising around 61 pieces at an evening auction on the 14th of March 2019 and approx. 100 pieces online closing on the 15th of March 2019.
A diversity of artists, materials, colours, genres, and sizes. Subtle, direct, vibrant textured. Contemporary and classical styles. Mixing the factual with fantasy.
Marc Quinn art piece ‘Emotional Detox’
“Emotional Detox” is a striking art installation created by the British artist Marc Quinn. The piece features a large, wall-mounted sculpture of a human head that is split down the center, with one half painted in bright, vibrant colors and the other half painted in muted, monochromatic tones.
The sculpture is made from resin and is almost 2 meters tall, giving it a commanding presence in any space. The idea behind the piece is to explore the duality of human emotion, with the colorful side representing our positive feelings and the monochromatic side representing our negative feelings.
According to Quinn, the piece was inspired by his own struggles with depression and anxiety. He sees the act of creating art as a form of emotional detox, a way to release and process negative emotions in a productive way.
“Emotional Detox” has been displayed in several galleries and museums around the world, including the White Cube in London and the Venice Biennale. It has received critical acclaim for its powerful message and striking visual impact.
The piece encourages viewers to confront their own emotions and explore the complexities of the human experience. By highlighting the importance of emotional health and self-care, “Emotional Detox” is a thought-provoking and deeply moving work of art.
Comfortable Visiting Experience at Christie’s
Visiting this collection is a Love Story, on many counts, between the fans and the music icon, between the icon and iconic art and between art buffs and collectors.
The Lyrics to “Where do I begin”, the theme song to Love Story, springs to mind. The sublime tone right from the entrance lobby gives the sense of the poetic tragedy and yet the triumphs. No matter knowing you have arrived at something profoundly positive and unique.
” fills my heart with very special things With angels songs, with wild imaginings, she fills my soul..”. The theme to Love Story, Carl Sigman – Francis Lai
The exhibition also raises other questions and inspires exploration. The more you look at the pieces and who the artists were you can see the things that would have resonated with the star. A different definition of what these pieces may have meant otherwise.
Well, curated and put together. Projected white light produced Song lyrics to appear flowing up the main staircase. A projected well-known album cover image at the top of the stairs, from the Listen without Prejudice Album. The black-and-white photo was from the scorching summer of 1940 of Coney Island in the USA by artist Weegee.
Two giant portraits of George Michael on either side at the top of the stairs, give status. It is clear you have arrived and yet the ambient light and serenity remind you of the departed.
The Blue dark glass enormous box with the white dove inside guards the entrance front that allows you to see into the gallery behind. There stands an even bigger image of the star behind with a colourful neon art installation by its side for company. His music flowed through the galleries, timeless. Floristry arrangements that sweeten the loss fans still feel. A very moving exhibition. Perhaps for the first time, all these pieces have been in one space and the first time many could view them, and yet they await their departure.
