George Michael’s art collection to go on display in London
Kim/Getty
George Michael’s art collection – which includes more than 200 artworks – is set to go on display at Christie’s in London from 9-14 March.
Christie’s is also auctioning off the late singer’s art collection, with George Michael’s estate announcing last month that they were selling his artworks to raise funds for good causes.
The one-off exhibition will be the last chance for Michael’s fans to see his art collection together in the one place before each piece is sold.
The company describes the auction, and the exhibition, as a “once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for collectors, art lovers and legions of fans to acquire works from the legendary recording artist’s private collection.”
Some artworks expected to take up to £1.5 million
Many of the artworks set to be displayed and auctioned come from the Young British Art movement (YBA). George Michael developed friendships with artists at the fore of the movement through visits to their galleries and studios during his lifetime.
Artworks set to be auctioned and exhibited include works by artists such as Tracey Emin, Damien Hirst and Michael Craig-Martin.
The auction is expected to generate significant funds for Michael’s estate, with some artworks expected to sell for up to £1.5 million.
“The collection is a celebration of the YBA movement’s spirit of creativity and adventure in the late 1990s.”
– Cristian Albu, Christie’s
Speaking ahead of the auction, Cristian Albu, co-head Post-War & Contemporary at Christie’s, said they are honoured to present the late singer’s collection.
“The collection is a celebration of the YBA movement’s spirit of creativity and adventure in the late 1990s, with works ranging from the poetry of Tracey Emin to the transcendence of death manifested by Damien Hirst, and reflects every aspect of this dynamic moment in British cultural history,” he said.
EVERT ELZINGA/AFP/Getty
Christie’s announced the auction of Michael’s art collection last month, with the singer’s estate saying the money raised would go towards good causes.
Philanthropic work was ‘hugely important’ to George Michael
They said that philanthropic work was “hugely important” to Michael and that it was his “wish that this work would continue after his passing.”
While gay icon Michael passed away unexpectedly on Christmas Day in 2016, his estate has continued to fund important causes.
Late last year, it was revealed that an AIDS charity called the Project Angel Flood in Los Angeles is still receiving donations from his estate.
The charity was founded in response to the HIV/AIDS epidemic and provides nutritious meals to those suffering from life-threatening illnesses.
It was also revealed that children’s charity, the NSPCC, received a surprise donation last year from George Michael’s estate.
His estate said in a statement in December that they have been trying to “pay it forward” in the form of “good deeds.”
Meanwhile, there are more treats in store for George Michael fans, as unreleased music recorded by the star is set to be released in an upcoming film called Last Christmas later this year.
Emma Thompson has written the screenplay and the film stars Emilia Clarke and Henry Golding as the main characters.
It will also feature Wham!’s 1984 hit “Last Christmas”.
