Post-War & Contemporary Afternoon Session

The Post-War and Contemporary Afternoon Session realized $40,403,275 / £26,460,105 / €31,369,103, selling 76% by lot and 88% by value.

Sara Friedlander, Head of the Afternoon Sale: “The May 16th afternoon sale featured works from the most important artists working today: Wade Guyton, Mark Bradford, Nate Lowman, Mark Tansey, Adam McEwen and Albert Oehlen, all sold above their estimate. Six world auction records were achieved, for Ellen Gallagher, (lot 441) at $987,750, El Anatsui, (lot 443) at $1,179,750, Michaël Borremans, (lot 512) at $603,750, Theaster Gates, (lot 524) at $99,750, Jaume Plensa, (lot 591) at $447,750 and Ken Price (lot 502) at $315,750. Christopher Wool’s Untitled, (lot 453) was sold for $1,203,750, doubling the previous world auction record for a work on paper by the artist. Leading the sale was a selection of works from the Collection of Donald Young, most of which were acquired directly from the artist. The sale was also led by an outstanding section of works donated by artists, dealers and private collectors to benefit Human Rights Watch, a human rights advocacy organization. This section totaled $919,750 (lots 578-591).”