Art Journal #21: YSL auction @ Christies

Its a fascinating story, and indeed - sorry for the cliche - "sales of the century". The story tells how YSL and Berges lived/worked together; how they broke up and stayed business partners, and how they built their collection in the last 40 years in a superb "textbook example" of how to collect and even how to display artworks. Their home in Paris was done with impeccable taste, and you can see the dialogue between works from artists from different era (mostly modern). It's an European art history feast all in one go. Apparently YSL didnt want to sell his collection after he died. But Berges felt there's no point keeping it. Proceeds went to his foundation dedicated to AIDS research. The two bronze heads that were part of the water fountain outside Yuan Min Yuan were clearly the center of attention at least for us in Asia/China. And what a story there! The whole incident prompted me to read about the history of the French/British invasion, and the beginning of the downfall of the Qing Dynasty. Fascinating...