Anita and Poju Zabludowicz, renowned art collectors frequently featured on the ARTnews Top 200 Collectors list, are poised to auction an impressive £15 million (approximately $20.1 million) at Christie's next month. This event includes both an in-person auction in London on June 25 and an online sale.
The highlight of this auction is a striking painting by Philip Guston, titled Mirror Head (1977), which carries a high estimate of £5.5 million ($7.38 million). The auction will also showcase works from celebrated artists such as Beatriz Milhazes, Rose Wylie, Damien Hirst, Richard Prince, Takashi Murakami, Henry Taylor, and Charline von Heyl.
Once a prominent fixture in the European art scene, the Zabludowiczes have recently scaled back their public presence, having closed their private museum in London in 2023 after more than 15 years. They have announced plans to focus on loaning artworks rather than maintaining fixed exhibitions, with a permanent space remaining on the Finnish island of Sarvisalo.
Despite their significant contributions to the art world, the couple has faced challenges regarding their affiliations with the Tamares Group, a private equity firm where Poju Zabludowicz serves as chair and CEO. This firm has been scrutinized due to its connections to a pro-Israel lobbying group. In light of growing dissent, including a boycott by Finnish artists against Helsinki's Museum of Contemporary Art Kiasma, the Zabludowiczes have publicly addressed their stance on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, advocating for a two-state solution.
In a recent statement, Anita Zabludowicz expressed her pride in the upcoming auction, emphasizing the importance of sharing their collection with new collectors and institutions. "Art has no beginning and no ending -- it is a story that continuously evolves. That is how I see the future: Then, Now, Next," she remarked, highlighting a vision for the future of art that transcends individual ownership.
This auction not only represents a significant financial event but also reflects the evolving landscape of art collection and ownership, potentially influencing how future generations engage with and appreciate art.
