The collection includes a painting by US artist Jean-Michel Basquiat, which is worth HK$33 million
Artwork owned by the late British rock star David Bowie is being displayed at Sotheby’s in Hong Kong.
The exhibition is the final part of the global tour ahead of an auction where more than 350 Bowie artworks will be sold in London on 10 and 11 November.
Among the 30 items on display in Hong Kong is a painting by US artist Jean-Michel Basquiat entitled Air Power. The five-foot painting is estimated to be worth HK$33.3 million. Bowie had originally bought the painting at an auction in London for £78,500 in 1995.
The other exhibits on display are comprised of works by-20th century British artists including paintings, sculptures and designs. Stand-out items include Sunrise in the Mountain by David Bomberg, and Head of Gerda Boehm by Frank Auerbach.
Frances Christie, senior director of modern and post-war British art at Sotheby’s in London said, “David was born and brought up in London. He collected things that meant something to him. He did not just buy random arts.”
“He would read and read all those books, met artists and made sure he knew all the right dealers,” Christie said, adding the busy rock star even went to auctions himself to feel the atmosphere. “He invested a lot of time [in art].”