Vogue: A Look at David Bowie’s Personal Art Collection Up for Auction at Sotheby’s
We all know David Bowie the musician, the artist, the innovator. But even before his tragic death earlier this year, little was known about his private dedication to the arts and, specifically, his personal collection of works by artists such as Jean-Michel Basquiat, Frank Auerbach, and Damien Hirst among many others. Bowie had amassed an impressive array of paintings and sculptures and now, Sotheby’s in London has announced that they will be overseeing the auction of these pieces from November 1 through November 10. Titled “Bowie/Collector,” the three-part sale and exhibition taking place at the auction house’s New Bond Street galleries includes around 400 works, half of which are modern and contemporary British art. Bowie also owned pieces from movements and disciplines such as Surrealism, contemporary African art, outsider art, and pieces from the Memphis group.
Before the auction takes place in November, Sotheby’s will host a series of previews of the work beginning with a three-week exhibition in London from July 20 to August 9. Then, “Bowie/Collector” will travel to Los Angeles, New York, and Hong Kong. And while many may not be in the position to purchase an original piece by Ettore Sottsass or Peter Lanyon, the public display of this private part of Bowie’s spectacularly creative life is, as they say, priceless. — Vogue