![David Bowie's impressive art collection will go on auction on Nov. 10](http://web.archive.org./web/20170110221125im_/http://d1ya1fm0bicxg1.cloudfront.net/2016/07/promoted-media-optimized_5787bbf77364f.jpg)
Most would agree that David Bowie’s music could be held in the same regard as art. The iconic artist, who dabbled in fashion and design, also had an affinity for fine art. He amassed a personal art collection of 267 pieces, which will soon go on public display ahead of being sold.
On Nov. 1, Sotheby’s will kick off a 10-day exhibition at New Bond Street galleries in London, before selling the pieces at auction on the 10th and 11th. The weighty collection includes work by Jean-Michel Basquiat, Frank Auerbach, Marcel Duchamp, Henry Moore, Graham Sutherland, and Damien Hirst, and is valued at over $13.2 million. The most expensive piece is Basquiat’s graffiti painting “Air Power,” which is estimated to sell between $2.5-3.5 million.
Oliver Barker, chairman of Sotheby’s Europe, describes Bowie as “one of the 20th Century’s greatest creative spirits” and uses the words “eclectic, unscripted, [and] understated” to categorize the collection.
A representative of Bowie’s estate discussed Bowie’s personal connection to the work. “David’s art collection was fueled by personal interest and compiled out of passion,” reads the statement. “He always sought and encouraged loans from the collection and enjoyed sharing the works in his custody. Though his family are keeping certain pieces of particular personal significance, it is now time to give others the opportunity to appreciate – and acquire – the art and objects he so admired.
Ahead of the London auction, the collection will be exhibited in several major cities.
World previews of the exhibition:
London - July 20-Aug. 9
Los Angeles - Sept. 20-21,
New York - Sept. 26-29
Hong Kong - Oct. 12-15
EXCLUSIVE – First look at David Bowie's private art collection - heading for Sotheby's auction. #BowieCollector pic.twitter.com/ASSaX6Mcyn
— BBC Radio 4 Today (@BBCr4today) July 14, 2016