Taking place at Manhattan’s Christie’s New York, the sale was one of, if not, the most high profile auctions to take place in 2024. John, who rose to fame in the 70’s, is widely considered to be one of the most important artists of the 20th century. He has achieved 35 gold and 25 platinum albums, has sold more than 250 million records worldwide, and holds the record for the world's biggest selling single of all time. Over the five decades since his career began, John has played more than 3,500 concerts worldwide. Stand out items at Christie's included original Banksy art, Keith Haring paintings and a wonderful example of Grayson Perry pottery.
The two Keith Haring lots featured some of the late artist’s most recognisable motifs: three eyed monster (which also appears in the 1989 Icons Portfolio) and a loving figures embracing within a TV set. Both works smashed their pre-sale estimates of $300,000 $500,000 and $200,000 - $400,000 USD with Three Eyed Monster achieving $756,000 USD and tv figures $529,000 USD respectively.
Banksy’s reworking of his iconic flower thrower from Love is in the Air in the triptych version “Thrower” was the stand out work of the night. Splitting the figure in three and framed in an ornate gold frame, the work is a stellar example of Banksy’s skill in condescending complex message and ideas into seemingly simple images. Showing the popularity of the world’s most in-demand street artist, the work far surpassed it’s estimate of $1,000,000 USD - $1,500,000 USD selling for just under $2m USD at $1,925,500 USD - making it the most expensive item in the evening sale.
Grayson Perry’s “Portrait Heads & Praying Hands - In memoriam” - a fabulous example of Perry’s technical skill as a ceramicist and as a storyteller sold for circa $35,000 USD.
The exceptional result for Banksy and the strong performances for Keith Haring reflect Andipa’s experience with the private market. Elsewhere, trends include a high demand for Andy Warhol art and Roy Lichtenstein prints with collectors new and old from across the globe keen to own iconic and timeless works.
For more information on any of the artist’s featured and to speak to a member of our gallery, contact sales@andipa.com or call +44 (0)20 7581 1244.