Last night, I was at the Phillips de Pury Auction House to attend their fall Contemporary Art exhibit. It kicked off last night amidst champagne toasts and lemon cucumber vodka tonics and goes on until next Saturday Sept. 16th when the auctioneer's gavel comes out.
I like Phillips a lot. It's not like the other auction houses Sotheby's and Christie's (no offense, I like you guys too) as seen by media (American Giggolo anyone?). True to it's new location in the meatpacking district, it houses eclectic art - one might even say hipster art. I did see a lot of Marc Jacobs being worn. And just like the art, also eclectic was the audience. Some young, some beautiful, some artfully distressed (like the gentlemen with chewing gum spread on his shoe - I hope it was on purpose), other plain wacky and insane.
The selection of art was also interesting - with the more valuable works housed on the third floor gallery and part of "Under the Influence" exhibit, and the more accessible (both in content and price) housed as part of Saturday's @Phillips (not unlike Christie's East and Sotheby's Arcade).
There were many Eames pieces for those who care - at very good prices. Cindy Sherman's nudes at reasonable prices, Warhol at ridiculous prices. The jewelry was innovative and quite affordable. Which brings me to my next point - my bid:
AMANDA NICOL
LOT 48
A Sterling Silver Chain Bracelet
Designed as ten rows of fine trace link chains,
gathered by silver bead terminals, completed
by a polished silver sliding clasp, mounted in
sterling silver, length 7 inches.
ESTIMATE: $120 - 250
So next Saturday, I'll be on the phone, on the other side for a change, having a pretty young thing be my advocate, bidding on the bracelet on my behalf. Sweet.
Phillips is a great place for a young collector or anyone who is interested in art, but somewhat intimidated - to go. It's welcoming, it's really like a cocktail party, and it's in the booze joint of meatpacking. Dress in your own vintage gear, wear loud colours artfully, or just buy something at Marc Jacobs or (gasp!) Urban Outfitters and strut. Trust me, the truly wealthy dress and act insane. No one will know the difference.
Phillips de Pury & Company is located at 450 West 15th St. and 10th Avenue. Please don't bid on my bracelet.
In spite of the credit crisis, most customers who go to a fine art auction, aren't affected by the middle class press or imploding housing market, as 6,000 to 7,000 eager bidders appeared at many of the fine art auctions this year.
Posted by: kuenstler-und-feste.com | May 27, 2009 at 09:23 AM