Untitled (ELMAR) 1982, one of the rare Basquiat paintings on auction at Phillips. Photo: Jean Bourbon. Courtesy Phillips

Great excitement grips art collectors as Phillips Auction House prepares to auction three rare Basquiat paintings in New York and Hong Kong.

BY KAZEEM ADELEKE, ARTCENTRON

Phillips Auction House is gearing up for its spring sales in New York and Hong Kong, generating great excitement among collectors. The auction will feature three rare Basquiat paintings created between 1981 and 1982. The prize paintings originate from the collection of anthropologist Francesco Pellizzi, who acquired them from Basquiat’s first dealer, Annina Nosei, in the early ’80s.

Taking center stage at the upcoming Phillips Auction House New York auction on May 14 is Untitled (ELMAR), a monumental artwork from 1982.  This sprawling canvas, spanning nearly eight feet wide, is a quintessential representation of Jean-Michel Basquiat’s artistic prowess. It is rich with symbolism and self-referential imagery. The painting depicts a modern-day Icarus on the brink of descent, with an archer aiming two arrows towards him.

Untitled (ELMAR) is a testament to Basquiat’s creative zenith. It encapsulates the essence of the artist at the peak of his powers and has a fascinating provenance. The painting has made notable appearances in exhibitions. It was in a 1989 exhibition dedicated to Pellizzi’s collection at the Hofstra Museum in New York. It was also in the commemorative exhibition marking the 10-year anniversary of Basquiat’s passing at Gagosian Los Angeles in 1998. Additionally, it was in the artist’s retrospective at the Fondation Louis Vuitton in Paris in 2018.

With its anticipated value ranging between $40 million and $60 million, this masterpiece promises to command attention and admiration from collectors and enthusiasts.

Three Rare Basquiat Paintings Captivate Art Collectors

Portrait of a Famous Ballplayer

Untitled (Portrait of a Famous Ballplayer) 1981, is another of the rare Basquiat paintings to go on auction in New York. The painting epitomizes Basquiat’s shift from street artist to gallery in 1981.  This piece, a hallmark of his career’s evolution, explores themes of race, identity, and American culture.

In this artwork, Basquiat blends American sports imagery with his distinctive style. The central figure, a Black athlete in a baseball uniform, challenges norms. Basquiat’s use of text and crown motifs adds depth, creating a narrative that confronts stereotypes. The piece’s power lies in its commentary on race and representation, reflecting Basquiat’s own experiences as a Black artist. Displayed posthumously at his memorial exhibition, Untitled (Portrait of a Famous Ballplayer) cements Basquiat’s lasting impact on the art world. It has an estimated price range of $6.5 million to $8.5 million.

From New York To Hong Kong

After New York, the art auction frenzy will continue in Hong Kong two weeks later.  On May 31, Native Carrying Some Guns, Bibles, Amorites on Safari (1982), another of the three rare Basquiat paintings, will go on auction. In this striking piece, a commanding Black figure with raised arms confronts a colonial poacher, embodying themes of slavery and empire. Basquiat’s artistry blends meticulous draftsmanship with street art elements. It offers a poignant critique of colonial commerce and broader topics like colonization and African American history.

The figures in the artwork, reduced to caricatures of “native” and “colonizer,” symbolize Basquiat’s explicit criticism of white imperialism. Through direct portrayal and textual incorporation, Basquiat creates a powerful commentary on societal issues. Native Carrying Some Guns, Bibles, Amorites on Safari reflects the artist’s acute awareness of race issues. It also serves as a quintessential representation of his artistic vision, showcasing the depth and intensity of his work. The painting has an estimated value of $12 million to $18 million.

High Expectation for Basquiat Artworks

There is a great expectation that Native Carrying Some Guns, Bibles, Amorites on Safari will exceed its estimated value because of the recent art market trends. In the past ten years, Basquiat’s artwork has seen significant demand in Asia. For instance, in May 2022, a piece from Japanese multimillionaire Yusaku Maezawa’s collection sold for $85 million, up from its purchase price of $57.3 million just six years earlier at Christie’s.

Beyond the significant demand in Asia for Basquiat’s works, Phillips is also counting on the artist’s prominence in the art world to make the May auctions a great success. There are clear indicators for such optimism, including how Basquiat’s works have continued to command top prices. For instance, during last year’s May sales, Christie’s auctioned a 12-foot-wide 1983 triptych for over $67 million. It was from Valentino Garavani’s collection. The sale solidified Basquiat’s status as one of the most sought-after artists.

Robert Manley, Phillips’ deputy chairman and worldwide co-head of 20th-century and contemporary art, expressed the auction house’s deep honor in handling these three rare Basquiat paintings. He noted that these pieces, featuring some of Basquiat’s most iconic imagery with impressive provenance and exhibition history, are a testament to the artist’s enduring significance and artistic vision.

Jean-Michel Basquiat: An Enduring Appeal

Manley emphasized the timeless quality of Basquiat’s works and the excitement they generate among collectors. He note their continued ability to inspire and provoke thought even four decades later. In addition, Manley cites recent exhibitions as evidence of Basquiat’s enduring appeal and the growing momentum surrounding his work.

To give art lovers the opportunity to experience the artworks before they go on sale, the three rare Basquiat paintings were recently on display in New York and Los Angeles in April. This tour represents the last opportunity for the public to view these works together, adding to their significance and appeal.

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