Scandal in the Art World The Most Quoted Artists and Their Invaluably Expensive Works

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11 Apr 2024

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In the enigmatic universe of contemporary art, where every stroke is a statement and every canvas a whisper of the soul, prices reach heights that defy all logic. Who are the masters behind these creations that awaken passions and make the most opulent wallets in the world tremble? We tell you everything!

1. Banksy: The Enigma Revealed

With his masked identity and provocative wit, Banksy has become a global phenomenon. His works, which mix social satire and street aesthetics, have reached stratospheric figures in the art market. His piece “Devolved Parliament,” a reflection on political chaos, was purchased for a staggering $12 million at auction in 2019, setting a record for the artist.

2. Jeff Koons: the King of Kitsch

With an aesthetic that challenges the boundaries between the sublime and the vulgar, Jeff Koons has generated both admiration and controversy. His large-format sculptures, ranging from innocent balloons to towering stainless steel dogs, have reached unimaginable prices. His "Rabbit," a polished stainless steel rabbit, sold for an incredible $91.1 million at auction in 2019, becoming the most expensive work sold by a living artist.

3. David Hockney: The Master of Light

With his vibrant palette and unique approach to representation, David Hockney has captivated the art world for decades. His work "Portrait of an Artist (Pool with Two Figures)", an intimate exploration of the human relationship and natural space, sold for a surprising $90.3 million at auction in 2018, cementing his position as one of the artists most valued living.

4. Yayoi Kusama: The Queen of Polka Dots

With her distinctive style and obsession with repetitive patterns, Yayoi Kusama has taken the contemporary art world by storm. Her immersive installations, which invite the viewer to immerse themselves in a universe of infinite polka dots, have reached astronomical prices. Her work “Infinity Mirror Room-Love Forever,” a sensory experience that challenges the perception of space and time, sold for an incredible $7.3 million at auction in 2014, marking a milestone in her career. .

5. Gerhard Richter: The Master of Abstraction

With his masterful approach to abstract painting, Gerhard Richter has challenged artistic conventions and captured the hearts of critics and collectors alike. His work “Abstraktes Bild,” an emotional exploration of color and texture, sold for a staggering $46.3 million at auction in 2015, setting a record for the artist and cementing his position as one of the most influential of his generation.