Sports mogul Rich Paul curates Sotheby’s Contemporary Art auction, bridging athletics and fine art with a focus on Black American artists.
Best-selling author Rich Paul has been selected to curate the latest edition of Sotheby’s Contemporary Curated auction.
This prestigious event, set to take place on 27 September 2024 in New York, promises to showcase a carefully curated selection of superlative artworks that resonate deeply with Paul’s personal vision and collection.
A Curator’s Journey: Rich Paul’s Art Story
Rich Paul, renowned for his transformative impact on sports representation, has long harboured a profound appreciation for contemporary art. His journey into the world of art collecting began as a fascination with fashion, eventually evolving into a deeper appreciation for how art mirrors personal experiences and worldviews.
Speaking about his artistic inclinations, Paul remarked, “Art profoundly reflects and enhances personal experiences; it’s always been a gateway to self-expression for me. What began as a fascination with fashion evolved into a deeper appreciation for how art mirrors my personal journey and worldview. It’s not just about visual appeal—its true value lies in the emotional impact it has on experiences and feelings.”
Paul’s curation for Sotheby’s encompasses both abstraction and figuration, with a particular emphasis on Black American artists. This focus not only reflects the core of Paul’s personal collection but also aligns with his work promoting representation on the board of the Los Angeles County Museum of Art (LACMA).
The Intersection of Art, Sports, and Entertainment
Paul’s unique position at the crossroads of sports, entertainment, and art brings a fresh perspective to the world of fine art auctions. He views these seemingly disparate fields as interconnected forms of expression that reflect our world.
“Art, sports, and entertainment are all interconnected—they’re forms of expression that reflect our world,” Paul explains. “It’s not just about collecting; it’s about enriching the conversation and inspiring others to see art as a vital part of life.”
This holistic view of creative expression informs Paul’s approach to curation, allowing him to draw parallels between the emotional intensity of sports and the profound impact of visual art.
The Curator’s Vision: More Than Just Assembling Art
For Rich Paul, the role of curator extends far beyond simply selecting artworks for an auction. He sees it as an opportunity to foster a deeper appreciation for art and to use his platform to educate and inspire others.
“My role as a curator is about more than just assembling a collection,” Paul states. “It’s about fostering a deeper appreciation for art and using my platform to educate and inspire others, creating a legacy of thoughtful engagement.”
This commitment to education and accessibility aligns perfectly with Sotheby’s mission for their Contemporary Curated auctions. Haleigh Stoddard, Sotheby’s Specialist and Head of Contemporary Curated emphasises this synergy: “This collaboration highlights Rich’s deep connection with storytelling through art. As an established collector, Rich is committed to education and accessibility, empowering young artists and the athletes that he represents.”
The Contemporary Curated Auctions: A Tradition of Diverse Voices
Since 2013, Sotheby’s Contemporary Curated auctions have invited influential figures from various fields to curate a group of works by the most sought-after post-war and contemporary artists. This innovative approach has brought fresh perspectives to the art world, showcasing the unique tastes and interests of cultural luminaries.
Previous curators in New York have included a diverse array of personalities, from media mogul Oprah Winfrey and fashion designer Kim Jones to musicians like Swizz Beatz and actors such as Cynthia Erivo. Athletes have also lent their discerning eyes to the auction, with NBA player Kevin Love and supermodel Karlie Kloss among the past curators.
By inviting Rich Paul to curate this edition, Sotheby’s continues its tradition of bringing diverse voices and perspectives to the forefront of the art world. Paul’s selection promises to offer a unique blend of established masters and emerging talents, all viewed through the lens of his multifaceted career and personal journey.
Rich Paul: A Trailblazer in Sports and Beyond
To truly appreciate the significance of Rich Paul’s curation, it’s essential to understand his groundbreaking career and far-reaching influence. Since founding KLUTCH Sports Group in 2012, Paul has redefined the landscape of sports representation with an innovative approach that prioritises athletes’ interests.
Paul’s influence extends far beyond the realm of sports. In 2019, he announced a partnership with United Talent Agency (UTA), joining their Board of Directors in 2020. This move signalled Paul’s ambition to bridge the worlds of sports, entertainment, and culture.
Recognised by GQ as “PowerBroker of the Year” and featured on the cover of Sports Illustrated as “The King Maker,” Paul has been instrumental in shaping both the sports and media worlds. His advocacy played a crucial role in overturning the controversial “Rich Paul Rule,” which would have restricted non-degree-holding agents from representing NCAA athletes.
Paul’s entrepreneurial spirit has led him to co-found ADOPT, a creative agency focusing on sport, wellness, and tech. He also serves on the boards of LACMA, Designer Brands Inc., and Live Nation, further cementing his status as a cross-industry influencer.
In 2023, Paul added another accolade to his impressive résumé, becoming a New York Times best-selling author with the release of his memoir, “Lucky Me.” This literary success further underscores Paul’s ability to connect with audiences across various platforms and mediums.
Highlighted Artists and Artworks
Rich Paul’s curation for Sotheby’s Contemporary Curated auction showcases a diverse range of artists and styles, reflecting his broad appreciation for contemporary art. Here are some of the standout pieces selected by Paul:
Sam Gilliam: Cielo
Estimated at $600,000 – $800,000, Sam Gilliam’s “Cielo” is a prime example of the artist’s celebrated Beveled Edge paintings from the early 1970s. This acrylic on beveled edge canvas, measuring 51 by 69 ½ inches, exemplifies Gilliam’s groundbreaking approach to abstract painting.
“Cielo” showcases Gilliam’s mastery in manipulating vibrant colour and space, challenging traditional perceptions of painting. This piece highlights Gilliam’s significant contribution to the Washington Color School and his enduring legacy in major collections such as The Metropolitan Museum of Art and The Smithsonian American Art Museum.
Frank Bowling: Sinon
Frank Bowling’s “Sinon,” executed in 1974 and estimated at $100,000 – $150,000, marks a pivotal moment in the artist’s career. This 73 by 32-inch piece represents Bowling’s transition from figuration to abstraction, showcasing his masterful use of acrylic paint to create richly textured, luminous compositions.
Drawing inspiration from the Colour Field painting, “Sinon” embodies Bowling’s experimentation with chance and controlled accident. The piece reflects Bowling’s ongoing exploration of colour, surface, and process, informed by decades of experimentation and dialogue with scientists and paint makers.
Derek Fordjour: No. 30
Derek Fordjour’s “No. 30,” estimated at $50,000 – $70,000, is a striking example of the artist’s exploration of portraiture. This 29 1/2 by 24-inch piece, executed in 2018, employs Fordjour’s signature collage technique, incorporating materials like cardboard and newspaper to create a richly textured surface.
The work showcases Fordjour’s ability to capture a wide emotional spectrum, bridging physical and conceptual realms. Rooted in his Ghanaian heritage and informed by his role as an influential educator, Fordjour’s art often features athletes, musicians, and performers, capturing an intricate blend of bodily and emotional depth.
Mark Bradford: Tina
Mark Bradford’s “Tina,” created in 2006 and estimated at $800,000 – $1,200,000, is a powerful example of the artist’s unique approach to abstraction. This mixed media collage on canvas, measuring 101 by 130 ⅞ inches, showcases Bradford’s meticulous layering technique, incorporating singed endpapers and shimmering foil.
Drawing on his experience in his mother’s hair salon, Bradford’s work incorporates found materials that evoke the social and material textures of his urban Los Angeles community. “Tina” reflects Bradford’s exploration of the racial and socio-economic geography of his home city, with its textured, labyrinthine surface recalling both the dynamism of urban life and modernist abstractions.
The Auction: A Celebration of Contemporary Art
The live auction, presented in partnership with Silversea, is scheduled to take place at Sotheby’s New York on 27 September 2024. Art enthusiasts and collectors will have the opportunity to view the exhibition from 21 to 26 September, providing ample time to appreciate the carefully curated selection of works.
This edition of Contemporary Curated, under Rich Paul’s discerning eye, promises to be a significant event in the art world calendar. It not only showcases exceptional works of contemporary art but also reflects the evolving landscape of art appreciation and collecting, bridging diverse cultural spheres.
Conclusion: A New Chapter in Art Curation
Rich Paul’s curation of Sotheby’s Contemporary Curated auction marks a significant moment in the convergence of sports, entertainment, and fine art. His unique perspective, shaped by his multifaceted career and personal journey, brings a fresh and exciting dimension to the world of art curation.
As the art world continues to evolve and embrace diverse voices, collaborations like this one with Rich Paul pave the way for new narratives and interpretations in contemporary art. The upcoming auction not only promises to showcase exceptional artworks but also to inspire a new generation of art enthusiasts and collectors.
By bridging the worlds of sports, entertainment, and fine art, Rich Paul and Sotheby’s are writing a new chapter in the story of contemporary art curation. As we look forward to the auction in September, one thing is clear: the intersection of these cultural spheres is producing some of the most exciting and innovative moments in the art world today.
Images: Sotheby’s
