Art Basel opened yesterday in Switzerland. And while Jeff Koons’ sculpture of an inflatable dolphin sold for $5 million, it was an Andy Warhol self-portrait that topped the auction charts ($32 million)–so far.
Hedge fund billionaire Steven A. Cohen missed his chance to buy the six-foot-tall abstract “Blue Painting” by Ad Reinhardt at the David Zwirner Gallery booth. Cohen allegedly coveted the work, but was a few minutes too late. Ne vous inquiétez pas (Don’t fret), says French art dealer Emmanuel Perrotin. The savvy Perrotin will certainly have invited Cohen to the private dinner he gave opening night on a nearby moored barge. Cohen could be easily consoled there over his loss. Who knows? While enjoying the live concert by the Native New Beaters at Perrotin’s party, Cohen would have said oui to one of Perrontin’s Koons-like works by KAWS.
Art Basel in Basel 2014, © Photo by Daniela & Tonatiuh, Daniela-Tonatiuh
