Art Basel Generates An Amazing $1.5 Billion In Sales
Sales topped an amazing $1.5 billion at Art Basel, with many wealthy stars lining up alongside the world’s top art collectors to snap up pieces.
Former Giants star Jeremy Shockey bought two fiberglass tigers painted by Domingo Zapata for $100,000 each. Zapata was honored at a Hublot event at the SLS Hotel on Friday, and among the 2,000 guests was famed artist Damien Hirst — who was spotted giving Zapata a kiss on the lips.
Beyoncé and Jay-Z were also seen perusing the works on show at America’s hippest art fair. We’re told Jay snapped up a $20,000 painting titled “Everyone’s Scared” by 31-year-old Chicagoan Hebru Brantley, who won the Basel showing as a finalist in the Bombay Sapphire Artisan Series produced with Russell Simmons’ Rush Foundation.
We’re told Miami Heat superstar LeBron James’ manager Maverick Carter caught sight of the piece on Sunday and sent a digital message to Jay, who asked Brantley to deliver the work directly to his hotel room later that evening.
Sean “Diddy” Combs took home an Iván Navarro sculpture with the word “Scream” reflected in a mirrored tunnel for approximately $65,000 from the Paul Kasmin Gallery.
Rick Ross bought a $20,000 photo by Jack Shainman called “Love Is the Drug.” Dennis Rodman bought a mixed-media piece by Gym Class Heroes frontman Travie McCoy created from Nike Air Force 1 sneakers.
Mega collector Peter Brant was seen escorting Owen Wilson around. Edward Tyler Nahem’s booth, featuring a stunning large Sam Francis painting, drew such notables as Diddy, Kellan Lutz, Donna Karan, Calvin Klein, Tommy Hilfiger, Marcia Cross and Jane Seymour.
Over at Jack Shainman Gallery, meanwhile, Will Smith dropped in with seven bodyguards, who sealed off the booth until he was done viewing.
Ashton Tyler | Elite.
