The Battle for Basquiat

In one of the most riveting auction battles in history, a painting by Jean-Michel Basquiat brought $110.5 million – the record for an American artist. Watch as auctioneer Oliver Barker fields bids between two collectors determined to take home the monumental masterpiece, the star of Sotheby’s Contemporary Art Evening Auction.

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[nothisispatrick]

Spends 98 million dollars on the painting but probably wouldn't have gave basquiat a dollar when he was homeless

[JonasPolsky]

"Was that a bid, sir?"
(life flashes before eyes)

[vinnyvidivici]

Meanwhile I'm like, "Should I really spend $5 for the pizza delivery fee?"

[Havaseet]

"Oh...wait....You were talking to ME? ...No no no..I was just being friendly.  I don't have 98 million dollars."

[theflyent]

Wish this man was alive to see how much his work is revered and respected... These masterpieces were made all in the 80z and they sell like crazy in today's modern world. Good job sir you did what you were supposed to do!!!

[xl]

I love Basquiat's art, his life, and what part of the art world he represented as he came up and becomes a legendary symbol. He continues to impact and inform the continual young new art scenes across America today.

[tearorangi_____]

My like is for Jean. You did it, you knocked it out of the park.

[chrisguevara]

Watching this video...I can't imagine being in that room and having him ask me "Was that a bid sir?"

[kaguth]

This is far from my favorite Basquiat piece but probably the best available. It doesn't surprise me the buyer is Japanese. Hip Hop culture is huge over there and Basquiat was a unique part of it.

[davereffell]

“Art is in the eye of the beholder, and everyone will have their own interpretation.”

[supremereader]

69 million is really all my wife allows me to spend, honestly.

[LaWendeltreppe]

I love the music here and this auctioneer is like a dancer. It all has got sth like an artful performance. Great to watch.

[trackrecord]

Wow I just heard of this artist a couple of months ago while watching Pawnstars he lived a very short and troubled life but his art work is amazing and worth so much did they say $ 98 million dollars that is unbelievable I never seen or heard of any piece of art selling for that much ...

[michealkelly]

The coolest auctioneer for the coolest painter

[robcarney]

You should put up a longer version of this video. It's edited too short and takes away from the drama.

[bjluqto]

This is so weird after hearing him talk about how bitter he felt when it comes to rich people.

[Kingro]

People saying this is simply about showing off your money and is disrespectful to Basquiat and the art world really have no clue. The buyer has bought other Basquiat paintings and said that when he saw this he was mesmerised by it, and how it stirred his excitement and love of art.

He's also put this and and the other untitled Basquiat he bought into a museum in his hometown for everyone to enjoy. Very happy for the buyer. People need to stop jumping to conclusions..

[PSYCHOLOGYZOOM]

Meanwhile at Kroger I have to put some stuff back because my "card was declined". Life is totally fair, to be sure.

[PSYCHOLOGYZOOM]

Why do Mcdonald's employees always act like their job is on the line when I ask for extra sauce??

[rnlwwjb]

Art is worth whatever somebody willing to pay for it.