The Week in Art Wham! The George Michael auction and the YBA market. Plus, Shezad Dawood
Mar 15, 2019
Paola Saracino-Fendi, a post-war and contemporary art specialist at Christie's, discusses George Michael's extraordinary art collection and its connection to the Young British Artists, shedding light on celebrity charity auctions. Annie Shaw, an art correspondent, reports on the auction's thrilling outcomes, highlighting Tracey Emin's standout pieces and the emotional resonance of the iconic 'loves George Kenny' neon work. Artist Shezad Dawood dives into his installation, Encroachments, blending VR with poignant narratives about culture and sovereignty.
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Personal Ties Drove The Collection
- George Michael began collecting in the early 2000s through close friendships with YBA artists, especially Tracy Emin.
- The collection reflects personal kinship and lyrical affinities rather than market-driven connoisseurship.
Kenny Goss As Co-Collector
- Kenny Goss introduced George Michael to many artists and collected alongside him as an equal partner.
- Artists remember both men fondly and saw the collection as a collaborative effort.
Tracy Emin As The Collection's Nexus
- Tracy Emin acted as the nucleus of George Michael's YBA collecting, with 14 works in the sale.
- Her friendship with him opened doors to other YBA artists and shaped the collection's focus.