The art world is abuzz as Christie’s prepares to kick off its 21st century evening sale, a major auction event featuring 15 blue-chip works of postwar and contemporary art from the influential collectors Ago Demirdjian and Tiqui Atencio. The couple, widely regarded as two of the most influential figures in contemporary art patronage, have pooled their collections to create a spectacular showcase of art from the late 20th century to the present day. * Key works from the auction include:
- Two works from 1999: Ed Ruscha’s Blast Curtain and Cecily Brown’s Bedtime Stories, each estimated at $4 million–6 million
- Julie Mehretu, Elizabeth Peyton, Louise Bourgeois, and Lygia Clark, among others
The auction marks a culmination of decades-long collecting journeys undertaken by the couple, who first met in Paris in the 1980s and have since traversed continents, movements, and mediums. Atencio, a Venezuelan-born collector, author, and trustee of multiple art foundations, has championed Latin American artists and female creators throughout her career. Demirdjian, a businessman, has evolved his taste over time, embracing the dynamic edge of the contemporary scene. The sale offers a unique opportunity to see some of the most iconic names in contemporary art, including Ed Ruscha and Elizabeth Peyton, alongside lesser-known artists who have only recently gained greater attention in the US, such as Carmen Herrera and Lygia Clark. “Evening sales can be like a magnifying glass,” says Ana Maria Celis, Christie’s head of postwar and contemporary art. “Artists like Ruscha, Brown, and Peyton already have phenomenal reputations and don’t particularly need extra attention to prove their value. However, to have the opportunity to use those works by Ruscha and Peyton in this collection to put a magnifying glass on works of extraordinary quality but where the artist’s markets have haven’t quite hit the hype of others, it’s a privilege.”
The auction will be followed by additional works from Demirdjian and Atencio’s holdings in Paris and London later in 2025, featuring a number of works by major figures in French design dating back to the 1950s.
- Three-armed floor lamp by Serge Mouille, estimated to sell for €70,000 – €90,000 ($77,500 – $99,700)
- Pair of Visiteur armchairs by Jean Prouvé, estimated to sell for €150,000 – €200,000 ($166,000 – $221,000)
“The opportunity to share these extraordinary works with our clients and collectors is a privilege that we don’t often get to offer. It’s a testament to the enduring power of art to transcend time and place, and to bring people together in a shared appreciation of beauty and creativity.”
Throughout the years, the couple has established themselves as leaders in the art world, with a reputation for collecting works from underrepresented artists and promoting innovation and diversity.
Contemporary art refers to art created in the present day, encompassing a wide range of styles, mediums, and themes. It is often characterized by its experimental nature, its engagement with current social and cultural issues, and its willingness to challenge traditional notions of art and aesthetics. Highlights:
The sale is set to highlight the influence of Demirdjian and Atencio on the contemporary art world, and their unique approach to collecting and promoting art.
| Key Works | Estimated Value |
| Ed Ruscha’s Blast Curtain | $4 million–6 million |
| Cecily Brown’s Bedtime Stories | $4 million–6 million |
| Julie Mehretu | $200,000–$300,000 |
| Elizabeth Peyton | $3 million–$5 million |
The sale is set to be a major event in the art world, with works from some of the most influential collectors and artists of our time. It is a testament to the enduring power of art to transcend time and place, and to bring people together in a shared appreciation of beauty and creativity.