Zadig & Voltaire to auction "Death in America" items at Christie’s

By

Cassidy Mantor

Published
Apr 28, 2017

Parisian rock chic brand Zadig & Voltaire is auctioning off select fine art from the brand's collection at Christie's in a group estimated to bring in $20 million dollars with portions of sale go to environmental groups.

Christie's explains in the official release that the 40 piece group produced by Zadig & Voltaire founder Thierry Gillier comes from the perspective of exploring "this 'existence thing' from a rich crossroads of art, music and fashion."

Christie's Loic Gouzer, Chairman, Post-War and Contemporary Art, explained that “Gillier’s understanding of history, and his sharp eye for quality is distinct in these works."

The group, called Death in America, takes its name from Steven Parrino’s, Death in America #1, 2003, a work with an estimated value of $800,000- $1,200,000.

The works conjure emotions of defiance, similar to what Zadig & Voltaire's fashion evokes, with a tangible revolutionary spirit in each piece.

Gouzer explained the collection features a "powerful sense of rebellion, from the artists who are known for defying traditional notions of fine art, to the collector who has built an empire pushing the boundaries of high fashion. Every work contains an underlying mentality that art cannot be defined, medium cannot be restricted and ideas cannot be constrained."

Followiing President Trump's new executive order issued just this week that calls for the examination and possible removal of protection for America's National Monuments created in the past 20 years, this auction collection is a timely counterpoint.

Christie's acknowledged our ecological crisis, noting that a portion of the auction proceeds will go to two organizations that support the environment: The Leonardo DiCaprio Foundation and Oceana's US Shark Conservation Program.

"Zadig & Voltaire recognizes this as a particularly urgent time to support the protection of the earth’s ecosystems, and is proud to stand behind the efforts being made by these organizations."

11 works will be offered in the May 17 Evening Sale at Christie's in New York, with an additional 35 lots up in the May 18 Afternoon Sale. The group is expected to realize in excess of $20 million.