Being that he’s one of my favourite painters, I was, like many others, curious to know who was behind the recent purchase of Francis Bacon’s Triptych. It sold for a record $86 million dollars (US), making it the most expensive post-war piece in the world.
Now, I have absolutely no problem with the fact that it was purchased by Russian billionaire Roman Abramovich. What I do take some offense to is that he purchased it to hang in his London home where it cannot be publicly viewed. Like many great pieces of art that adorn the walls of the super-rich, Bacon’s masterpiece is one that should be, at the very least, loaned to an international gallery of note, such as The Tate in London, for even a brief exhibit so that the public has the opportunity to view it. I suppose we’ll have to wait and see if Mr. Abramovich, who also owns Chelsea FC, will embark on such a venture. The Tate would be the perfect place for the piece to be viewed, and is probably within an easy drive of Abramovich’s home anyway.
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Even in a gallery it wouldn’t always see the light of day. At least in Canada I believe any piece of art that is in the permanent collection rotates within a 2 year bases generally meaning sometime during a two year period the work must be displayed once. The larger the permanent gallery the shorter the time a piece gets. Obviously galleries that hold pricless masterpieces generally have those on display 24/7 that still eats up the time for the others- at least in Canada. All interesting stuff this art trading donating and buying! - works at a canadian gallery!
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Who did he buy it from though? He also bought the Lucien Freud – one of my favourite artists. Rumour has it that Abramovich’s girlfriend is looking to open a gallery of modern art in Moscow. Sort of a Saatchi-type perhaps?
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I have huge issues with the private ownership of great art or art of importance, unless it’s to be loaned to a gallery or museum. While I understand the desire to personally own such works of art, their value to society in general exceeds that desire.
Plus, whenever I think of personal ownership of priceless works of art, I can’t help but remember that American businessman who accidentally destroyed a Picasso. How devastating that incident was for the entire world. *shudders at the thought*
I was lucky enough to see a Francis Bacon exhibit at the Centre Pompidou in Paris over a decade ago. It was incredible. Such intense, powerful works. I would love to be able to see another exhibit of his paintings.
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The sad truth is that our museums can’t afford to buy those works…the government has different ideas about priorities when it comes to spending our money. Art is pretty darn close to the bottom of the list.
Matt, too bad I didn’t know you were a Francis Bacon fan - there was a really good show based on the Screaming Popes that toured to Vancouver last year.
Oh, did you hear that Robert Rauschenberg passed away a few days ago?
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Amy Winehouse is set to be paid £1 million to play a special gig for 40 year old $20 billionaire Roman Abramovich’s 25 year old girlfriend former model Daria Zhukova (whose father is also a multi-billionaire).
Do a gig, Matt, and become the patron of contemporary Francis Bacons. The University of Guelph’s art program is interesting.
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Quoting RRC:
Do you honestly think Matthew would pimp himself so low for a Russian Oligarch?? And I can’t believe Winehouse would stoop so low…but, hey…
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At least thats another $86 million that Roman won’t be throwing around on more (Chelsea) talent for next season.
I’m sure he will spend a lot anyways but it’s nice to know he won’t be using that particular 86 mil to buy up half of the world’s football elite.
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The Art Police are out……hide the Crayons,,,,,
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Quoting Anais:
The only thing I could think of when I read this comment was the fate of the works of Dali - but then again, Dali’s masterpieces are in good hands with art fanatics who know how to share them with the world.
I just took a chance to check out some more of Francis Bacon’s work, as this is a name that I am unfamiliar with. All of a sudden, I want to watch Yellow Submarine. Interesting stuff. :)
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‘The Art Police are out……hide the Crayons,,,,,’
Don’t hide them from Pete Goldlust - he does extraordinary work with Crayolas:
http://www.crookedbrains.net/2007/12/crayon-art.html
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Quoting RRC:
That sure is true! I just have problems with individuals owning Crayon Art……..
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Wasn’t this guy considering buying MLSE too?
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Quoting Patrick Pitt:
Isn’t he still on the list, along with the Glazers (who own Manchester United)?
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My brother was in the U.S. Marine Recon Unit in 1983 when the U.S. Embassy was bombed in Lebanon. His assignment was changed at the last minute or he would of been there when it happened. Many of his buddies were killed that day. A few years back he talked to me about it for the first time and broke down. It still haunts him to this day. He told me when he was stationed at the airport, bullets were flying over his shoulders. He is my best friend and I’m so grateful to still have him in my life. Those Marines that died that day never had a chance, because there only protection was a barbed wire fence. They should of never been put in an active war zone. That suicide bomber had free reign.
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Above was for the previous post. My brain is not the only one that doesn’t function well in the morning. Worked a 16 hour shift yesterday. :(
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She is opening a gallery:
“Earlier this week we revealed that Mr Abramovich’s girlfriend, Dasha Zhukova, is to open a new gallery in Moscow in a 1927 bus depot designed by Konstantin Melnikov. Center for Contemporary Culture Moscow will open in September with a Kabakov retrospective. Speaking to The Art Newspaper, Ms Zhukova said she hoped “to start a dialogue with a Russian audience. We hope to attract all kinds of people to the gallery, even those who know nothing about contemporary art.” She also said that CCC Moscow had long-term plans to build a permanent collection” (The Art Newspaper)
The Gallery is to be located in Moscow in a former Bus Depot.
Don’t worry, he is not going to accidentally destroy a “priceless” (after all it does have a price!) work of art, he knows what he is doing - between Russian businessmen he is free and Berezovsky is in trouble while they started out together.