Christie’s is auctioning the private art collection of the late pop star George Michael that includes works by Damien Hirst and Tracey Emin with the proceeds going to charity. Over 200 lots will be offered across a live auction in London on March 14 and an online sale from March 8–15.
Philanthropic work was hugely important for George Michael during his lifetime and it was his wish that this work would continue after his passing, Christie’s said.
The collection represents a unique dialogue between George Michael and his British contemporaries in the visual arts, such as Damien Hirst, Tracey Emin, Sarah Lucas, Michael Craig-Martin and Marc Quinn, who rose to prominence by challenging the status quo, and together created the Young British Art movement. George Michael developed friendships with many of these YBA artists through visits to galleries and their studios, and the collection reflects his dedication to cutting-edge creativity and his instinctive support of young, emerging artistic talent, Christie’s said.
The collection can be previewed during the global highlights tour in New York, Los Angeles, Hong Kong and Shanghai, or at the flagship exhibition in London from March 9–14.
George Michael, born Georgios Kyriakou Panayiotou, died on Christmas Day, 2016. A prolific artist he sold 115 million records.
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