George Michael Collection Evening Auction grandest highlight

Damien Hirst

While not under the best of circumstances, no less, the art world was certainly treated earlier this month, to a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity as Christie‘s hosted the George Michael Collection Evening Auction in London earlier this month. The adored British pop-star who passed away 2016, was an avowed art collector and left behind an impressive collection of sculptors, paintings and modern art deco spanning over two decades.

Fellow Brit, Damien Hirst’s Incomplete Truth (b.1965) ended up being the most impressive lot of the night, by commanding a whopping US$1.2 million. Initially acquired by Michael’s in 2007, the sculptor presents a hovering dove, suspended in mid-flight in formaldehyde, within a 222 x 176 x 74cm glass cage. Doves, which symbolise the Holy Spirit as well as peace, are arguably in tune with Michael’s hit Gotta Have Faith, perhaps it’s what inspired him to acquire the unique suspension in the first place.

George Michael Collection Evening Auction
Photographed by Prudence Cuming Associates © Damien Hirst and Science Ltd. All rights reserved, DACS 2012