«I LIKE MONEY ON THE WALL»

According to Brett Gorvy, deputy chairman of Christie's, the top of the contemporary art market is "conservative" and "focused on quality". He explained: "There is no difference from the move to buying gold, in a way: people are being drawn to things whose value is tried and tested."Whereas the boom up to 2006 and 2007 saw speculation on new names, buyers are now attracted to 20th-century art history."Pop is the overriding movement at the moment," said Gorvy. "Warhol is huge, and Lichtenstein is globally popular."The star of Christie's New York sale is a Roy Lichtenstein canvas. The star at Sotheby's is a Coca-Cola bottle by Andy Warhol with an estimate of $20m-$25m.Part of the point is that pop art can transcend cultural boundaries and appeal to an international audience; the art embodies clear, simple messages. "It is very instant in terms of understanding," said Gorvy.

The Guardian
Nov 8 2010