First Open: Post-War and Contemporary Art Online

This season, First Open: Post-War and Contemporary Art Online will present an exciting selection of international post-war and contemporary art and photography at accessible price points as part of the 20th/21st Century sale week at Christie’s.

We are proud to present The Collection of Ellen and Dan Shapiro, forty-four photographs which reflect the impeccable eye of the couple and their early championing and dedication to the medium through their journey of collecting photography since the 1980s. The sale presents an exciting opportunity to acquire a part of their collection, which includes works by Andreas Gursky, Irving Penn, Bernd & Hilla Becher, Elger Esser and William Eggleston and also represents standout works by leading female photographers including Candida Hofer, Annie Leibovitz, Cindy Sherman, Diane Arbus, Zanele Muholi, Viviane Sassen and Alex Prager.

We are pleased to present six paintings by Will Alsop, the British architect and Royal Academician who is known as one of the UK’s greatest talents in architecture. The works will be sold to benefit the Stephen Lawrence Architecture Prize, aiming to encourage and reward new architectural talent.

The sale features an exciting line-up of works by contemporary leading female artists, including Flora Yukhnovich, Mickalene Thomas, Caroline Walker and Ellen Berkenblit. We are delighted to present four vibrant paintings by Eileen Agar, one of the most bold and innovative artists of her generation. We are also pleased to present a selection of works by Etel Adnan from the collection of her former classmate in California in the 1950s. This selection of early, intimate works includes delicate watercolours and a group of playful sketches.                          

Highlights of the sale include a selection of works by contemporary African artists including Aboudia, Isshaq Ismail, Obasi Kinsley and Rapheal Adjetey Adjei Mayne. Part of the proceeds of sale of the latter will be donated to The Afutumix Foundation, a Ghanaian based non-profit organization set-up by the artist with the aim of improving the social set-up of his community. 

A selection of highlights will be available to view at Christie's King Street from 23 February– 9^th March. For any viewing requests please contact Isabel Millar on imillar@christies.com 

Explore 20th/21st Century: Shanghai to London