Andy Warhol Photos to Be Auctioned for Artist Relief Fund

The proceeds will provide emergency relief to artists affected by the pandemic

warhol
A Warhol self-portrait expected to fetch up to $50,000 at auction. (Courtesy of Christie's)
Christie's

Like many people across a wide variety of industries, artists have been hit hard by the economic fallout from the coronavirus pandemic. In an attempt to support artists struggling during this difficult time, Christie’s has partnered with the Andy Warhol Foundation to auction a collection of 60 original photographs by the iconic artist. Proceeds from the sale will support the foundation’s emergency relief fund for artists.

Called “Andy Warhol: Better Days,” the sale features works “that highlight Warhol’s ability to capture the beauty of ordinary life,” according to an Instagram post announcing the auction.

“The 60 unique photographic works were each chosen for their ability to transport the viewer to better days, conveying the splendor of being outdoors and the simple pleasures associated with human interaction,” the Warhol Foundation wrote in the Instagram caption.

View this post on Instagram

#BetterDays The Warhol Foundation is excited to collaborate with Christie’s on an online-only sale featuring original photographic works that highlight Warhol’s ability to capture the beauty of ordinary life. Proceeds from the sale will support the Foundation’s ongoing effort to provide emergency relief to artists throughout the US at this time of crisis. The sale will be open for bidding from April 28 – May 6 and is now open for browsing (link in bio). . The 60 unique photographic works were each chosen for their ability to transport the viewer to better days, conveying the splendor of being outdoors and the simple pleasures associated with human interaction. “You need to let the little things that would ordinarily bore you suddenly thrill you,” said Andy Warhol. Michael Dayton Hermann, Director of Licensing, Marketing and Sales at the Warhol Foundation selected the works in coordination with Christie’s and said, “We are delighted to work with Christie’s to enhance the Foundation’s ability to continue to invest in society when it needs it most. This unique sale focuses on works which celebrate Warhol’s uncanny ability to draw attention to the inspiring artistry of ordinary life.” . First image: Andy Warhol. Self-Portrait with Henry Geldzahler, unique Polaroid print mounted on board, c. 1979. ©The Andy Warhol Foundation. . Second image: Andy Warhol. Ocean View, unique Polaroid print, c. 1975. ©The Andy Warhol Foundation. . . . #WarholFoundation #Warhol #AndyWarhol #Art #Philanthropy #Photography #Polaroid #PhilosophyFriday @christiesinc #Christies @michaelhermann #SimplePleasures #Beauty #Nature #Oceanview #forsythia

A post shared by The Andy Warhol Foundation (@warholfoundation) on

The selected photos include images of flowers and landscapes as well as self-portraits, including one expected to go for up to $50,000.

“We are delighted to work with Christie’s to enhance the Foundation’s ability to continue to invest in society when it needs it most,” said Michael Dayton Hermann, Director of Licensing, Marketing and Sales at the Warhol Foundation. “This unique sale focuses on works which celebrate Warhol’s uncanny ability to draw attention to the inspiring artistry of ordinary life.”

The online auction opens April 28, and will remain open to bids through May 6. The collection is open for browsing now.

Subscribe here for our free daily newsletter

The InsideHook Newsletter.

News, advice and insights for the most interesting person in the room.

Pop-Up Art

“Art is what you can get away with.” – Andy Warhol

In Warhol’s case, that meant doing what he damn well pleased.

Like that time he filmed a guy sleeping for six hours.

Or all those times he convinced wealthy patrons to commission original portraits.

Those personal canvases are now up for sale, very briefly, at Christie’s Warhol-packed “American Pastimes: Sports & Politics” sale, running now through September 11th.

The online-only auction presents a series of the pop artist’s Polaroids, prints and drawings from the late ’70s, most depicting power players from the worlds of sports and politics.

It’s a wide-ranging group: Muhammad Ali, Ronald Reagan, Sylvester Stallone, Andre the Giant and Edward Kennedy all share Warhol’s gaze, along with some of Warhol’s more overt political statements.

Some faves:

Opening bids start at $1,000 — a surprisingly affordable starting point to own Andy’s less-seen work.

Call it the art of the steal.

Photos: Christie’s Images Ltd. 2014

The InsideHook Newsletter.

News, advice and insights for the most interesting person in the room.