In a significant art auction at Sotheby’s in New York, television producer Ryan Murphy successfully placed a winning bid of $889,000 for a sculpture titled “Sphinx” by artist Simone Leigh. The auction, which took place after the sale of the late billionaire Leonard Lauder’s renowned collection, highlighted the growing interest in contemporary art alongside historic masterpieces.
The sale featured remarkable pieces, including Gustav Klimt’s “Portrait of Elisabeth Lederer,” which fetched a staggering $236.4 million, making it the second-most expensive painting ever sold at auction. The evening at Sotheby’s, held in its new Breuer Building, generated a record-breaking total of $706 million, marking the highest revenue for a single night in the auction house’s history.
Leigh’s “Sphinx,” created in 2021, is a striking work crafted from bronze and platinum leaf. The artist’s creations have been showcased at prestigious institutions such as the Guggenheim and the Tate. According to Sotheby’s, her work explores themes of Black feminist thought, emphasizing the experiences of Black women while merging the female form with domestic and architectural elements. This approach aims to draw attention to often-overlooked acts of labor and care, particularly in the context of Black women.
Murphy’s latest project, “All’s Fair,” a legal drama starring Kim Kardashian, has received mixed reviews from critics. Nonetheless, the popularity of his shows remains strong, reflecting his influence in the entertainment industry.
The auction also featured notable works from Maurizio Cattelan, including the infamous golden toilet titled “America,” which sold for $12.1 million. This piece, purchased by Ripley’s Believe It or Not!, has a history of intrigue; another version was stolen from Blenheim Palace in England in 2019 and has never been recovered, although two individuals were convicted for the theft earlier this year.
As the art world continues to evolve, events like this auction not only underscore the high value placed on contemporary works but also highlight the cultural conversations that surround them. With each record-breaking sale, the intersection of art, celebrity, and investment becomes increasingly pronounced, captivating audiences and collectors alike.
