Post-War and Contemporary Art at Christie’s, From Keith Haring to Matthew Wong

Christie’s will open the Spring 2021 auction season with a selection of post-war, modern, and contemporary art. A full-sized painting by Keith Haring leads the listings. Executed on industrial tarpaulin, the untitled red painting shows the artist’s signature dancing figures. “Vibration marks” indicate their movement. A polka-dotted spirit figure dominates the center of the piece, rising from a hole in the ground. Several works from Keith Haring’s contemporaries are also on offer, including a pink-and-black Marilyn Monroe print by Andy Warhol. 

This auction presents a range of artistic styles, from Elaine de Kooning’s Abstract Expressionism to Titus Kaphar’s contemporary compositions. De Kooning’s Red Bison/ Blue Horse is notable for its deep colors and sense of movement. Inspired by prehistoric cave paintings, this work references the caves of Lascaux, France. Drawing from more contemporary influences, Kaphar’s Sacrifice painting explores themes of race and multiplicity. 

Bidders will also find several 21^st-century works in the auction. A 2017 nighttime painting from Matthew Wong, a neon sign by Tracey Emin that reads “Sleeping with YOU,” and a suggestive work by Emily Mae Smith finished in 2021 are among the offerings. Find the full catalog and place a bid by visiting Christie’s.