Sotheby's is redefining its image as a cultural destination in New York, with its new Breuer Building headquarters serving as the epicenter of art, design, and collecting. The auction house has achieved unprecedented attendance for its record-breaking marquee week sales, with a line of visitors stretching around the block from the moment the building opened on November 8.
As part of this effort, Sotheby's is presenting an exhibition featuring some of the most iconic works ever sold at the auction house, including masterpieces by artists such as Banksy, Jean-Michel Basquiat, Andy Warhol, and Gustav Klimt. The show, titled "Icons: Back to Madison," marks a return to Sotheby's legacy and aims to transform the Breuer into a space of discovery.
The exhibition showcases an impressive array of artworks, including Banksy's "Love is in the Bin" (2018), which famously self-shredded during its sale for £1.04 million, and Basquiat's "Untitled" (1982), which sold for $110.5 million at Sotheby's in 2017, setting a record for the artist.
Sotheby's is also partnering with Etihad Airways to bring together some of the most celebrated works ever sold by the auction house, including Warhol's "Shot Orange Marilyn" (1964), which sold anonymously at Sotheby's in 1998 for more than $17.3 million, and de Kooning's seminal work "Interchange" (1955), which was acquired by Griffin from David Geffen in 2016 for roughly $300 million.
In addition to the exhibition, Sotheby's is publishing a book with Phaidon featuring 100 of its most iconic works, as well as launching merchandise designed in collaboration with artist Angelica Hicks. The auction house is also presenting "Swinging on a Star: The Private Collection of Kathryn and Bing Crosby" ahead of an upcoming auction, which celebrates the Hollywood couple's legacy synonymous with the holiday season.
By redefining itself as a cultural destination, Sotheby's aims to attract audiences beyond the traditional art-world crowd and become a luxury brand that caters to visitors who may not buy at auction but will engage with the Sotheby's brand at other levels. The rollout appears to be successful in achieving this goal, showcasing the auction house's ability to blend its reputation as a museum with its role as a luxury brand.
As part of this effort, Sotheby's is presenting an exhibition featuring some of the most iconic works ever sold at the auction house, including masterpieces by artists such as Banksy, Jean-Michel Basquiat, Andy Warhol, and Gustav Klimt. The show, titled "Icons: Back to Madison," marks a return to Sotheby's legacy and aims to transform the Breuer into a space of discovery.
The exhibition showcases an impressive array of artworks, including Banksy's "Love is in the Bin" (2018), which famously self-shredded during its sale for £1.04 million, and Basquiat's "Untitled" (1982), which sold for $110.5 million at Sotheby's in 2017, setting a record for the artist.
Sotheby's is also partnering with Etihad Airways to bring together some of the most celebrated works ever sold by the auction house, including Warhol's "Shot Orange Marilyn" (1964), which sold anonymously at Sotheby's in 1998 for more than $17.3 million, and de Kooning's seminal work "Interchange" (1955), which was acquired by Griffin from David Geffen in 2016 for roughly $300 million.
In addition to the exhibition, Sotheby's is publishing a book with Phaidon featuring 100 of its most iconic works, as well as launching merchandise designed in collaboration with artist Angelica Hicks. The auction house is also presenting "Swinging on a Star: The Private Collection of Kathryn and Bing Crosby" ahead of an upcoming auction, which celebrates the Hollywood couple's legacy synonymous with the holiday season.
By redefining itself as a cultural destination, Sotheby's aims to attract audiences beyond the traditional art-world crowd and become a luxury brand that caters to visitors who may not buy at auction but will engage with the Sotheby's brand at other levels. The rollout appears to be successful in achieving this goal, showcasing the auction house's ability to blend its reputation as a museum with its role as a luxury brand.
. I mean, who doesn't want to be seen as cool and desirable? But seriously, it's about time they stepped up their game if they wanna attract people beyond the usual art crowd. I've been saying this for years, but I guess it's only now that they're realizing it 
. Anyway, I'm not impressed by the exhibition just yet - I mean, is it really worth partnering with Etihad Airways to get some of these pieces? And what's up with the merch line? Trying too hard to be relatable, if you ask me 
. The book featuring 100 iconic works sounds interesting, but we'll have to wait and see how that turns out 
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, partnering with an artist like Angelica Hicks is a great way to tap into the younger crowd and keep the Sotheby's brand fresh. And let's not forget about that book release 
. Bring on the art, the culture, and the glamour - Sotheby's is killing the game right now! 
! They're trying to attract new voters - I mean, visitors - and prove they can be more than just an art auction house. It's all about branding and image, just like a politician shaking hands with the opposition... but instead of promises, Sotheby's is serving up famous artworks and merchandise 
... who can afford to shell out millions for Warhol or Basquiat? Are we talking equal access to art education or just more exclusivity on display? The new exhibition might be a winner, but is Sotheby's really changing its game or just rebranding as a luxury status symbol?
It's also awesome that they're partnering with Etihad Airways to bring some amazing pieces together, it's a match made in heaven! 
And the fact that they're publishing a book and launching merchandise is just the icing on the cake. It's clear that Sotheby's is trying to make a statement and become more than just an auction house, it's becoming a cultural institution! 
they're definitely trying to revamp their image but I'm not sure if it's all going to translate to real change... I mean, an exhibition featuring some of the most iconic works ever sold is cool and all, but what about the accessibility aspect? are they really doing enough to make art more inclusive for everyone?
don't get me wrong, it's nice that they're trying to bring people together and all that jazz, but I'd have loved to see something a bit more...substantial.
maybe this is just the beginning of their cultural rebirth journey? one thing's for sure - I'm definitely going to be keeping an eye on this 
and the exhibition featuring iconic works by famous artists like banksy and jean-michel basquiat is giving me LIFE 
i mean who wouldn't want to see those masterpieces up close? 
plus the partnership with etihad airways and phaidon publishing is a genius move 
they're not just about selling art, but also creating experiences for people to engage with their brand on a deeper level 
it's so cool that they're launching merchandise too, i need to get my hands on that angelica hicks collab ASAP 
their new breuer building is like a whole world of art and design all in one place 
i mean who needs museums when u have a building that sells for millions just by being cool 
banksy's "love is in the bin" is like my spirit animal 
and merchandise designed by angelica hicks? yes please