Come May, Christie’s will not only be requiring deep pockets but also pearls and smoky eye shadow at their Hong Kong venue as the world’s biggest art seller intends to debut its evening auctions in Asia. With sales at Christie’s Hong Kong having risen 23% last year, the initiation of the nighttime event is a natural extension of the company’s brand and serves to kick start their biannual sales for 2008. The twilight experience is also a nod to the growing sophistication and interest in the art from this region. According to Bloomberg, “in the larger art markets of London and New York, the more glamorous evening sale is seen as the industry’s barometer, drawing the pick of the offerings.” The belle of the ball on the block for May is predicted to be Mask Series 1996 No. 6 by Zeng Fanzhi. Zeng’s painting harkens back to the good old days of paranoia and tattle-telling as it depicts Mao’s favorite rabble rousers and is thought to be worth about HK $ 25 million. Now that’s more than enough reason to go tell on your momma.
Image: Mask Series 1996 No. 6
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