Sotheby’s HK has recently released details of the works to be sold at the “#TTTOP” autumn auction — the anticipated sale guest-curated by Korean pop star T.O.P — to be held on October 3 in Hong Kong. Estimated at approximately HK$90 million (US$11.5 million), this sale will offer blue-chip Western artists as well emerging and established Asian artists. According to the auction house, the diverse selection of works, aiming to unite various generations, cultures, styles, and schools of thought, reflects not only T.O.P’s aesthetic taste but also the global taste of young Asian collectors. “#TTTOP embodies Asia’s vibrant art scene, driven by a group of energetic young collectors including T.O.P himself,” said Evelyn Lin, Head of Contemporary Asian art, in a statement.Out of the 25 lots on offer, Jean-Michel Basquiat’s “Infantry” painting from 1983 will lead the sale, estimated at HK$30-40million (US$3.85-5.1 million). Renowned Japanese art collector and fashion mogul Yusaku Maezawa consigned the piece as a friendly gesture in support of T.O.P’s curatorial debut. The two collectors are allegedly good friends and collect art together. Maezawa is also remembered for having spent an obscene amount of money – US$98 million to be exact – in two days this May during the Christie’s and Sotheby’s Spring Sales. His most jaw-dropping purchase was an untitled painting by Basquiat for US$57 million.Other crowd-pleasers in the international section include Andy Warhol, George Condo, Rudolf Stingel, and Sigmar Polke, as well as two paintings by emerging artist Jonas Wood. Additionally, a rare and significant series by Keith Haring will be offered, from photographer David LaChapelle’s art collection.“Top-grade museum quality works” by Korean post-war masters are the highlights of the Asian section. These include Park Seobo’s “Ecriture No 222-85,” estimated at HK$8-12 million (US$1.03-1.54 million), and Lee Ufan’s pivotal large-scale piece “With Winds,” which is expected to garner between HK$6.5-8.5 million (US$769,000-1,090,000).Chung Sanghwa’s largest white monochrome paintings are also on offer, in addition to works by Nam June Paik and Kim Whanki. Art by rising stars from China, Japan, and Korea, such as Gokita Tomoo and Saito Makoto, will also be featured. And last but not least, T.O.P has specially commissioned works by his artist friends such as Takashi Murakami and Nawa Kohei.The K-Pop star’s desire to support emerging Asian artists is emphasized through his intention to donate a portion of the proceeds to the non-profit foundation Asian Cultural Council (ACC).A touring exhibition of the art on sale will first be shown in Seoul, Korea at Shilla Hotel on September 21-22, followed by Hong Kong from September 30 through October 3 at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Center (HKCEC).The #TTTOP sale will take place on October 3 at the HKCEC, Hong Kong.
↧