Friday, February 15, 2008

$42,584,300.00 For AIDS In Africa!





Some of the auction results in Top to bottom order.
1.Mark Quinn-Red Sphinx $605,000,00 USD
2.Mark Quinn-Stratospheric Ozone $330,000,00 USD
3.Jeff Koons-Ballon Rabbit Wall Relief $2,035,000.00 USD
4.Gregory Crewdson-Untitled $66,000.00 USD

Last Night the Red Auction at Sothebys raised an oustanding $42,584,300.00 USD to benefit AIDS in Africa.
The Projected estimate of the lots was between 28-29 million USD.Ninety eight percent of the lots performed extremely well considering their original estimate. This auction was rather important considering the actual economic climate and the fact the the works up for action were coming from the most influential and high profile artists right now.
Everybody had a lot at stake. Some the artists created art pieces exclusively for the event.Gallery owner Larry Gagosian represents some of the main artists featured (Damien Hirst, Jeff Koons, etc, etc). Sothebys like most auction houses is trying to fight off all the current market fears and prove that the are still insulated in a bubble. Afterall I am quite happy with the results considering that the money is going to help AIDS in Africa.
The Highest bid of went to Damien Hirst’s Medicine Cabinet Titled ‘Where there is a will,There’s a way’’ for $7,150,000.00USD (estimate was 5-7 million) In my opinion this piece is quite stunning. I stood in front of it staring for over ten minutes. The craftmanship, the message and perfection that emanates is just magnificent.
Most pieces went over estimated prices. Rauschenberg's Spartan Series sold way under the estimated price. Please see link below to view auction results.

Still wonder why something of this nature and profile can be done and bring more attention about the Katrina situation in New Orleans.Almost three years later and not much being done. We can do (not like Obama please!) so much better overseas that in our own back yard.

Let me know your thoughts and opinions after reviewing results and comments regarding the ART market on today’s climate.


http://www.sothebys.com/app/live/lot/LotResultsDetailList.jsp?event_id=28863&sale_number=N08421&show_lot_name=Y



http://www.artdaily.org/index.asp?int_sec=2∫_new=23284

6 comments:

pAbLO said...

Thanks again Ruben for urging me to go see the show. While I am happy the auction results were great and proceeds will go to help Afican people, the AIDS situation in our own backyard is deplorable. It is true that the Bush (*&^%#) administration has given more money to International AIDS programs than any other administration, but USA programs are always underfunded! This country does not even have National HIV prevention/treatment plan in place! Clearly Abstinence (Just say no) doesnt cut it....you would think that after 26 years dealing with this pandemic thigns would be different? and yes, WHAT IS HAPPENING IN NEW ORLEANS???
Thousands of people are still displaced and waiting for money refunds...and lets not forget the many who died for lack of leadership and prompt action....we as a nation have very short attention span....deplorable.

Laura said...

comment.

Pepe said...

Finally Ruben!!!
Congratulations on the birth of ArtMustFierce...love the label. Now you have the means to express your creative mind and offer a platform, a place to promote, inform and embrace you passion for the arts. Thank you in advance for your support towards myself and many others in your selective entourage of the driven and fearless.
Here I would like to share some wisdom quotes for everyone's inspiration.
xoxoPepe

"Art to me is a humanitarian act and I believe that there is a responsibility that art should somehow be able to effect mankind, to make the word a better place".
Jeff Koons

"Being a good artist is the toughest job you could pick, and you have to be a little nuts to take it on. I love them all".
Rumi

"I choose to see only with eyes of love".
Pepe

angelo said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
angelo said...

Great!!! Love that art can raise so much money for such a worthy cause.

$42,584,300.00>>>I hope it helps.

Paul Pincus said...

Love the first Quinn (Kate)...Great cause...Great post!