Latest World Art News about Collectibles, Collecting, Collectors, Valuable Rarities and much more
The SLR Stirling Moss, named after the legendary British racing driver, debuted at the 2009 North American International Auto Show. Designed by Yoon Il-hun, the car features a unique speedster style with no roof or windscreen, reminiscent of the 300 SLR race car. The interior, crafted by Dutch designer Sarkis Benliyan, complements the car’s distinctive exterior.
The stegosaurus known as “Apex” has set a new record, selling for $44.6 million at Sotheby’s auction in New York on July 17, 2024, making it the most valuable fossil ever sold. This significant sale exceeded its pre-sale low estimate by over 11 times and concluded with applause after 15 minutes of bidding. Seven bidders competed for “Apex” during the live auction, with an anonymous buyer ultimately securing the fossil. The buyer intends to explore loaning the specimen to a U.S. institution, stating, “Apex was born in America and is going to stay in America!”
Aurora Daigle, born and raised in the enchanting city of New Orleans, is an interdisciplinary artist whose work captivates the essence of her vibrant upbringing. A graduate of the San Francisco Art Institute with a Bachelor’s in Fine Art, majoring in sculpture, and a Master’s degree in Creative Art Therapy from Pratt Institute, Aurora’s journey into artistry is both profound and inspiring. Her practice, which incorporates natural and found materials along with various printmaking and painting techniques such as relief on wood or linoleum, silkscreen, and acrylics, aims to restore and cultivate relationships with the self, others, and the earth. In this exclusive interview, Aurora delves into her childhood experiences, the powerful influence of her family matriarchs, and how the rich culture and history of New Orleans continue to inspire her work as a ceramicist and artist.
On July 25, Bonhams Los Angeles will host a unique event: the Modern Design | Art sale, featuring a meticulously curated collection from the acclaimed actor, artist, and writer Jim Carrey. This 35-lot collection, amassed over nearly 30 years, reflects Carrey’s vibrant and eclectic artistic taste, showcasing a blend of modern design and fine art that speaks to his creative spirit.
A notable inlaid iron jar and cover, decorated with intricate designs of birds and flowers representing the four seasons and commissioned by the renowned Meiji-era crafts entrepreneur Kawaguchi Yohei of Tokyo, sold for £114,700 ($146,000) at Bonhams New Bond Street. The item significantly exceeded its estimated value of £50,000-80,000 ($63,000-102,000) during the Fine Japanese Art Sale, which featured Meiji Masterpieces from a Distinguished Deceased Estate this May. The auction comprised 166 lots, achieving a total of £1,065,816 ($1,363,000), with a remarkable 98% sold by value.
A pair of rare Georges Jouve caryatides, circa 1946, originating from L’Institut Harriet Hubbard Ayer et Alexandre de Paris on Rue du Faubourg Saint-Honoré, sold for £127,400 ($162,000) at Bonhams Design and Contemporary Ceramics Sale held online this April. The final price far exceeded the pre-sale estimate of £50,000-70,000 ($63,000-89,000). Jouve’s contributions to the field of ceramics were significant, and he played a key role in the post-war resurgence of interest in ceramic art. His works are celebrated for their elegance, craftsmanship, and the innovative use of materials and techniques. Today, Georges Jouve is considered one of the leading figures in 20th-century ceramics, and his pieces are highly sought after by collectors and museums worldwide.
A pivotal document in football history, the napkin on which the first promise of a contract was written to secure 13-year-old Lionel Messi for FC Barcelona, sold for £762,000 ($964,000) at Bonhams in an online auction that was held this May 17, 2024. The auction began with a starting price of £300,000 ($380,000). This napkin significantly impacted both the club and Messi, who went on to become one of the greatest footballers of all time. The original napkin, written in blue ink, was offered by Argentine agent Horacio Gaggioli.
A rare handwritten questionnaire filled out by Taylor Swift for MIZZ Magazine in 2009 has been sold at Bonhams auction in London for £14,200 ($18,000). This is a significant leap from its initial estimate of £2,000 ($2,500) to £3,000 ($3,700), highlighting the enduring popularity and cultural impact of the global pop superstar. Swift, who has since become one of the best-selling music artists of all time, continues to captivate audiences worldwide. This early piece of memorabilia serves as a nostalgic reminder of her journey from a rising country singer to a global pop icon.
In a spectacular display of auction prowess, the Jules Speelman Collection garnered a total of €15.2 million at Bonhams Cornette de Saint Cyr in Paris, far surpassing its pre-sale estimate of €4.2 million. The auction, consisting of 28 exquisite lots, was 93% sold by lot and 100% by value, underscoring the intense demand for Asian Art and Buddhist Sculpture curated over 60 years by the esteemed dealer and collector, Jules Speelman.
In this exclusive interview with renowned artist Brent Estabrook, we delve into his fascinating journey from a childhood filled with artistic encouragement to a successful career as a full-time artist. Brent shares insights into his upbringing in a supportive and loving environment near Seattle, where rainy days fostered his creativity and laid the foundation for his future in art. He also discusses his unique transition from earning a Doctorate in Dental Surgery to pursuing his true passion for painting. Brent’s distinctive focus on vibrant, textured depictions of stuffed animals, his innovative techniques, and the profound influence of meditation and mindfulness on his creative process provide a captivating glimpse into the life and mind of this inspiring artist.
