Along with the glitzy evening sales at Phillips de Pury, Christie’s and Sotheby’s this week are the slightly more humble day sales, featuring more mid-level work and pieces from younger artists. Here present nine lots–three from each house–that we think will have interesting results.
We’ve followed the short histories of Tauba Auerbach and Jacob Kassay in the auction houses pretty closely. Both proved to be superstars at the contemporary auctions that coincided with Frieze back in October, selling above their high estimates. Rashid Johnson, who just moved over to Hauser & Wirth gallery, has a transitional piece on the block. Given the spike of interest in this talented artist after his move, we wouldn’t be surprised if the estimate turns out to be an understatement.
Nick Cave, Urs Fischer and Walton Ford all have had major exhibitions at galleries in New York this fall. Given that Mr. Ford’s show was attended by Salman Rushdie and what appeared to be the author’s entire circle of friends (not to mention a conspicuous amount of super models), and that his work has popped in the past, the estimate for the artist’s Chalo, Chalo, Chalo! may prove to be somewhat modest.
Wayne Thiebaud is all over the sales this week and it will be interesting to see if that overexposure leads to lackluster prices, or maybe gives him some momentum to exceed expectations. With Acquavella announcing last month that it plans to represent him, his market may be on the verge of a jump.
We’re holding out hope for Robert Gober’s two “Newspaper” lots, which are strange and somewhat uncharacteristic moments in his career, but still quite stunning. A source told Gallerist that the lots had garnered a great deal of early interest from collectors.
Phillips de Pury’s day sale takes place Nov. 8, Christie’s will follow on Nov. 9, and Sotheby’s closes things out on Nov. 10.
