Christie’s Debuts Innovative New Evening Sale: HI-LITE

The HI-LITE sale on 23 November features artwork by some of today’s top contemporary artists, whose neo-pop aesthetic, and connection to commercial art, cartoons, and street culture have gained them a global cult following. Many of the pieces selected for this sale employ a similar visual style featuring bold flattened forms, bright colors, and clean lines, referencing images appropriated from popular media and fashion, music, graffiti and animation.

Leading this sale is the artwork The Simple Things by Takashi Murakami & Pharrell Williams (pictured on previous page). This unique work, reappearing on the market for the first time since its debut in 2009, features a selection of everyday consumer objects made using 26,0000 gemstones and precious metals. Featuring an incarnation of Murakami’s most beloved character creation Mr. DOB, The Simple Things not only serves as a commentary on consumer culture and modern living, but is also a landmark product of collaboration between Murakami and Williams, and has featured in many important international exhibitions of Murakami’s work.

“Encouraged by the success of the ICONOCLAST sale last season, we are proud to present a fresh new sale concept which brings together numerous artists that appeal to a new generation of collectors”, says Evelyn Lin, Head of the 20th Century and Contemporary Art department. “Our aim this season is to present works that challenge the traditional notions of art, and to explore how the boundaries between genres such as Japanese manga, street culture, commercial design and fashion continue to play a pivotal role in how we understand art in the modern-day era.”

About Christie’s

Christie’s, the world’s leading art business, had auction sales in the first half of 2019 that totalled £2.2 billion / $2.8 billion. Christie’s is a name and place that speaks of extraordinary art, unparalleled service and international expertise. Christie’s offers around 350 auctions annually in over 80 categories, including all areas of fine and decorative arts, jewellery, photographs, collectibles, wine, and more. Prices range from $200 to over $100 million. Christie’s also has a long and successful history conducting private sales for its clients in all categories, with emphasis on Post-War & Contemporary, Impressionist & Modern, Old Masters and Jewellery.

Alongside regular sales online, Christie’s has a global presence in 46 countries, with 10 salerooms around the world including in London, New York, Paris, Geneva, Milan, Amsterdam, Dubai, Zürich, Hong Kong, and Shanghai.

*Please note when quoting estimates above that other fees will apply in addition to the hammer price - see Section D of the Conditions of Sale at the back of the sale catalogue.

*Estimates do not include buyer’s premium. Sales totals are hammer price plus buyer’s premium and are reported net of applicable fees.