31st May - Art News in 5 Minutes

Your trusted Friday collection of the latest news in the ever-evolving art world. Each week, the Maddox Research Team curates a snapshot of art trends, events and insights that you need to know about from the past week.

1) David Hockney Embarks on 35,000-Work Catalogue Raisonné

David Hockney has begun work on his catalogue raisonné, with the first volume of his paintings due in 2026. The project will document over 35,000 works and will be released digitally for ongoing updates. The entire project is expected to take 15 to 20 years to complete.

2) David Yarrow Captures Iconic Brigitte Bardot in St Tropez

David Yarrow has released a new work featuring Brigitte Bardot using her Albatross speedboat in St Tropez. The goal was to take a picture with an unambiguous sense of place and a sense of a specific era.

3) Banksy Auction Returns: Sotheby’s to Showcase Coveted Art This September

Sotheby’s is accepting consignments for their Banksy auction from 19-26 September. After a year's break, this sale signifies the stabilisation of Banksy’s market and the confidence of buyers and sellers.

4) Kusama’s Giant Bronze Pumpkin Takes Over Kensington Gardens

The tallest bronze pumpkin sculpture by Yayoi Kusama will be placed near the Round Pond in Kensington Gardens from July to November.

5) Damien Hirst’s Gallery Hosts “Dominion” Exhibition Curated by His Son

Damien Hirst’s Newport Street Gallery has opened an exhibition titled “Dominion”, curated by his son Connor. The show features 80 works from Hirst’s personal collection, including pieces by Andy Warhol, Jeff Koons, Tracey Emin, and several Banksy originals. The exhibition runs until 1st September 2024.

• Market Shift At Hong Kong Auctions: ?The May 2024 auctions in Hong Kong underscored a pivotal shift in the global art market, with Christie's, Phillips, and Sotheby's all demonstrating a strategic reorientation towards Asia. Christie's Hong Kong Evening sales concluded with a significant announcement about inaugurating its new Asia Pacific headquarters in September 2024, highlighting its ambition to capitalize on the growing wealth in the region.
• Christie's Strategic Changes: Christie’s has cancelled its evening sale of 20th and 21st-century art in London in June. Instead, they will focus on hosting two distinct marquee weeks per year in London, New York, Hong Kong, and Paris.
• Hong Kong's Growing Prominence: Christie’s decision aligns with Sotheby’s and Phillips’ recent expansions in Hong Kong, reinforcing the city’s prominence in the art world. This shift away from London, exacerbated by economic malaise and post-Brexit changes, also reflects a broader market trend towards increasing sales intensity in Hong Kong.

Whether you want to start your art journey, or you're a seasoned collector, the Maddox Team are on hand to help you with whatever your art needs are. Please explore our New Arrivals here or explore our Current Exhibitions page here.

Created by the Maddox Research Team on the 31st May 2024.