OpeningAugust 27, 2020
Phillips Auction House Opened in Southampton Location
Phillips opened last week a temporary space with 70 works from upcoming auctions, in Southampton’s former town hall.
The inaugural exhibition previews the 20th century and contemporary art sales scheduled for November 11-12. Among its highlights is Jean-Michel Basquiat’s “Portrait of A-One A.K.A. King,” a painting by the Neo-Expressionist artist, estimated to sell for $10 to $15 million. Another is a hanging work by Ruth Asawa, the late Japanese-American artist relevant for her woven wire sculptures, estimated at $2 million.
Edward Dolman, the chief executive for Phillips, said, “It made sense to take art that we would traditionally show solely in Manhattan out to where a lot of our clients decided that they were going to be spending much more of their time.” Phillips intended this change to adapt to the current circumstances by following the New Yorkers out of the city and following the current social distance requirements. It offers the potential buyer the possibility of having direct contact with the works as a strategy to keep the art market active while keeping their staff and collectors safe. The gallery runs by appointment only, and will not host dinners or opening receptions to comply with Covid-19 restrictions.
Because of the uncertainty for a prompt solution to the health crisis, there is no ending date planned for this new space. Phillips has the lease on the building through at least the year-end. Dolman explained that “Like a lot of galleries, we are taking space out there,” Chief Executive Officer Ed Dolman said. “We’ll use it as an extension for our Manhattan salesroom to preview our fall season and also for private sales.”
Since June, major New York galleries have been moving to the Hamptons, including Pace, Hauser & Wirth, Skarstedt, Van de Weghe, Michael Werner, Di Donna Galleries, Sélavy, and South Etna Montauk. Sotheby’s opened a storefront in East Hampton, and Christie’s in partnership with the Parrish Art Museum has been hosting exhibitions at the Water Mill location.
The inaugural exhibition previews the 20th century and contemporary art sales scheduled for November 11-12. Among its highlights is Jean-Michel Basquiat’s “Portrait of A-One A.K.A. King,” a painting by the Neo-Expressionist artist, estimated to sell for $10 to $15 million. Another is a hanging work by Ruth Asawa, the late Japanese-American artist relevant for her woven wire sculptures, estimated at $2 million.
Edward Dolman, the chief executive for Phillips, said, “It made sense to take art that we would traditionally show solely in Manhattan out to where a lot of our clients decided that they were going to be spending much more of their time.” Phillips intended this change to adapt to the current circumstances by following the New Yorkers out of the city and following the current social distance requirements. It offers the potential buyer the possibility of having direct contact with the works as a strategy to keep the art market active while keeping their staff and collectors safe. The gallery runs by appointment only, and will not host dinners or opening receptions to comply with Covid-19 restrictions.
Because of the uncertainty for a prompt solution to the health crisis, there is no ending date planned for this new space. Phillips has the lease on the building through at least the year-end. Dolman explained that “Like a lot of galleries, we are taking space out there,” Chief Executive Officer Ed Dolman said. “We’ll use it as an extension for our Manhattan salesroom to preview our fall season and also for private sales.”
Since June, major New York galleries have been moving to the Hamptons, including Pace, Hauser & Wirth, Skarstedt, Van de Weghe, Michael Werner, Di Donna Galleries, Sélavy, and South Etna Montauk. Sotheby’s opened a storefront in East Hampton, and Christie’s in partnership with the Parrish Art Museum has been hosting exhibitions at the Water Mill location.
