This summer, Sotheby’s will debut its first-ever live spirits auction in Southeast Asia, held alongside a Modern and Contemporary Art auction in Singapore. The auctions will take place on June 9, following a public preview exhibition from June 5 to 9 at Conrad Singapore Orchard.
Modern and Contemporary Art Auction: Exploring ‘Paradise’
The Modern and Contemporary Art Auction will feature a curated selection of works under the theme of ‘Paradise.’ This theme delves into the idea of paradise not just as a place, but as a state of mind or artistic expression. This event also marks the first Sotheby’s auction in Asia to operate under the new simplified commission structure, designed to make buying at Sotheby’s more accessible.
Highlighting Cross-Cultural Masterpieces
The auction will present 48 works by artists from Southeast Asia and beyond, including notable Singaporean pioneers like Cheong Soo Pieng and Georgette Chen, as well as regional modernists such as Affandi, Le Pho, and Fernando Zóbel. International contemporary artists like Roy Lichtenstein, Jeff Koons, and Yayoi Kusama will also be featured.
A standout piece is “Paghuhuli Ng Mga Manok (Catching Chickens)” by Anita Magsaysay-Ho, a pioneering female artist from the Philippines. Painted in 1962, this large-scale work captures the joyful communal spirit of women. Another highlight is the auction debut of “White Orchids (Phalaenopsis)” by Georgette Chen, juxtaposed with Wu Guanzhong’s impressionistic “Field Chrysanthemums.”
Singapore’s First Live Spirits Auction
Recognizing Singapore as a burgeoning market for spirits and wine, Sotheby’s will host its first live spirits auction, featuring 190 lots with a total estimated value of SG$1.4M (US$1.04M). Highlights include collectible Japanese whiskies such as the Karuizawa 1965 Japonisme for La Maison Du Whisky’s 60th anniversary, and the Hibiki 35 Years Old Kutani Decanter, renowned for its exquisite porcelain craftsmanship.
The auction also includes rare Scotch whiskies like the Bowmore Trilogy 1964 set, which consists of the Bowmore Black, White, and Gold, released in 2007 and 2008.
Sotheby’s Commitment to Asia
Sotheby’s continues to support Singapore’s vibrant art and lifestyle scene, having held annual Modern and Contemporary Art auctions since its return in 2022. In Hong Kong, Sotheby’s Spring auction series saw significant success, with 75% of buyers from Asia and top transactions coming from Greater China, the United States, and Singapore.
Event Details
- Preview Exhibition: June 5 to 9, 2024
- Location: Conrad Singapore Orchard
- Live Auctions: June 9, 2024
This dual auction event promises to be a significant cultural milestone, offering collectors and enthusiasts a unique opportunity to acquire exceptional art and rare whiskies.
