Contemporary Art

Artcurial is at the forefront of the international artistic scene

The department has rapidly become the market-leader in France.

Underscoring this success is a dynamic team headed by Martin Guesnet, whose expertise dates back to his gallery career, assisted by Hugues Sébilleau and Arnaud Oliveux. Results in 2006 were exceptional - up 82% on 2005.

The impetus provided by Francis Briest, the man behind the launch of auctions at Artcurial, is another key factor in this succes

In 2004 the department began specialist sales of Italian art under Gioia Sardagna Ferrari.

In 2006 the department also introduced sales of Chinese contemporary art. Our first two auctions, aroused tremendous interest in France and abroad.

Some recent prices

: Jean-Michel Basquiat (1960-1988); Cantasso, 1982; Acrylique et collage sur toile; 151 x 153 cm; €1,344,406, 7 December 2009

: Turan Selim (1915-1994); Composition; Oil on canvas; 200 x 130 cm; €205,006, 29 June 2009

: Subodh Gupta (1964); Vehicle for the seven seas, 2004; 1 Charriot en bronze à patine doré + 3 valises en aluminum; Edition de 2 + AP Dimensions variables; €502,330, 3 April 2008; World Record

: Arman (1928-2005); Accord majeur, 1962; 162 x 122 cm; €371,760, 21 January 2008

: Piero Manzoni (1933-1963); Achrome, 1958; Kaolin on canvas; 60 x 70 cm; €742,470, 21 October 2007

: Raymond Hains (1926-2005); Untitled, 1967; €334,584, 21 October 2007

: Joan Mitchell; Salut Sally, 1970; oil on canvas, from the collection of Jean Fournier & Jean-Marie Bonnet.; €2,586,000, it sold to the international trade on 28 October 2006.

: Pierre Soulages; Peinture, 1963.; €505,000, October 2006

: Wang Guangyi; Great criticism series chanel #5, 2006.; €135,000, June 2006

: Simon Hantaï; M.m 25, 1965; €260,232, October 2007

: Gudmundur Erro; Challenges All Power, 1974.; €102,000, June 2006

Videos


Jean-Michel Basquiat: “Cantasso”, 1982: Presented by Martin Guesnet; Auction 7 December 2009


Arman: “Arpige”, 1962: Presented par Martin Guesnet; Auction 21 April 2009


Street Art: Presented by Arnaud Oliveux
Auction 15 December 2008

Auction Dates

At the Hôtel Dassault

Two prestige evening sales:

- in April during ArtParis
- in October during FIAC

These are complemented by mid-season sales in February, June and December, enabling us to provide the perfect showcase for each work we offer at auction.