ART MARKET WATCH
Sept. 16, 2008HIRST RULES CONTEMPORARY MARKETDespite the grim predictions of many art-market kvetchers and Cassandras, the two-day auction of 223 lots of artwork by
Damien Hirst at
Sotheby’s London on Sept. 15-16, 2008, "Beautiful Inside My Head Forever," was a smashing success. All but five of the lots sold for a total of £111,464,800 ($200,752,179), edging above the presale high estimate of £98.6 million. "The market is bigger than anyone knows," said Hirst himself after the sale (via press release). "I love art and this proves I’m not alone and the future looks great for everyone!" The artist reportedly followed the evening sale electronically while playing snooker.
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