Auction house Christie’s has rolled out a new series of thematic online-only sales from the Post-War and Contemporary Art department.
Respectively titled “VICE” and “VIRTUE”, the auctions are described by Christie’s as representing the two opposing sides of human nature.
“‘VICE’ captures the myriad ways of worldly escape in its selection, reflecting our long-held humanistic tendency to chase pleasure, while ‘VIRTUE’ turns inward, featuring art indicative of hope, wisdom, happiness and warmth from worlds both real and imagined,” the house added in a statement.
Open for bidding through May 27, “VICE” features masterworks by Pictures Generation queen Barbara Kruger, sharp jokester Richard Prince, consumerism commentator KAWS and many more.
Highlights of the sale include Richard Prince’s “Untitled (de Kooning),” which is expected to realise between US$600,000 and US$800,000 (S$855,600 and S$1.14M); as well as KAWS‘s “KAWSBOB (OPEN MOUTH), PACKAGE PAINTING SERIES,” which is expected to fetch up to US$150,000 (S$214,000). Also on offer is a unique ceramic sculpture by Roy Lichtenstein, entitled “Ceramic Sculpture 13,” which is estimated to go under the hammer between US$300,000 and US$500,000 (S$427,800 and S$713,000).
Two works by Andy Warhol are hitting the auction block as part of “VICE.” “Work Boots (Positive)” (above, see main photo) is expected to sell for between US$250,000 and US$350,000 (S$356,500 and S$499,000), while “Electric Chair (Retrospective Series)” is estimated to go for a more affordable US$50,000 (S$71,300).
This online auction, open for bidding from May 29 through June 12, will focus on the idea of virtue as a creative escape. “VIRTUE” will include a selection of works that play with visual iterations of themes like prudence, fortitude, temperance, justice, faith, hope, and love.
The entire catalogue of the digital auction will be released in the coming weeks on Christie’s website, where a viewing room for “VICE + VIRTUE” is currently available.
(All photos: Christie’s)
