Phillips has revealed the lineup for its Frieze Week sales in London. Jean-Michel Basquiat’s 1982 work on paper, Untitled (Pestus), headlines the house’s modern and contemporary evening auction on October 16. It carries a £3 million ($4 million) high estimate.
“When asked directly to describe his subject matter in a 1983 interview with renowned curator of The Metropolitan Museum of Art, Henry Geldzahler, Jean-Michel Basquiat paused before replying succinctly: ‘Royalty, heroism, and the streets.’ Created in what would become widely regarded as the artist’s annus mirabilis as he broke through to the New York artworld to widespread and instant acclaim, Untitled (Pestus) deftly encompasses this vision, distilling the immediacy and raw energy of Basquiat’s mark making,” Phillips’ catalog entry for the work reads.
Also set for the auction block for the compact, 26-lot sale is Andy Warhol’s diamond dust portrait of fashion icon Giorgio Armani, titled Giorgio Armani (1981), which has a high estimate of £800,000 ($1 million). The fashion theme continues with Banksy’s Kate Moss (2005) portrait (high estimate: £1 million/$1.3 million).
Other British artists feature prominently, with works by Jadé Fadojutimi, Flora Yukhnovich, Damien Hirst, Anish Kapoor, and rising contemporary painters Sasha Gordon and Emma McIntyre included.
“Frieze Week is a moment when London truly comes alive with art, and we are excited to be part of that energy,” Olivia Thornton, Phillips’ head of modern and contemporary art, Europe, said in a statement. “This season, we are proud to offer a sale that reflects the vibrancy of contemporary collecting, bringing together key names, emerging voices, and works that challenge and inspire.”
Phillips’ modern and contemporary day sale follows on October 18. Leading it is a Keith Haring bronze panel, as well as pieces by Warhol and Basquiat, Anselm Kiefer, and Yoshitomo Nara.
