Jim Carrey’s Art Gracing Bonhams In Los Angeles
Jim Carrey’s vibrant and artistic collection offered at Bonhams in Los Angeles.
Are you passionate about the arts and creativity? Do you look for events where you get a chance to celebrate artistic fervour? Bonhams Los Angeles, one of Bonhams’ global network of auction houses, brought a vibrant arts collection to the public this past summer. The highlights of this sale were a number of modern design and art pieces from the fascinating and varied collection of Jim Carrey, the highly acclaimed comedian, actor, artist and writer.
Speaking of his collection, Jim Carrey said, “It’s been my very good fortune to be surrounded by many of the finer things in life, and I’m always gratified when it’s time to let them go so that others may enjoy them as well.”
This 35-piece art collection represented Carrey’s colourful and imaginative choices painstakingly assembled by him for over 30 years. Another fascinating aspect of this collection is how it showcases the best of modern design and of the esteemed creators who have made a name for themselves in the design world. Carrey’s own art draws inspiration from nature’s forms, as do the works of these designers, including the Borghese sofa by Noé Duchaufour-Lawrance (b. 1975), the lily pad coffee table by Paula Swinnen (b. 1964) and the cloud-form coffee table by Joris Laarman (b. 1979).
“It’s been my very good fortune to be surrounded by many of the finer things in life, and I’m always gratified when it’s time to let them go so that others may enjoy them as well.”
– Jim Carrey
Some of the design highlights of Carrey’s collection included the armchair designed in 1971 and executed in 2004 by Philippe Hiquily (1925- 2013) of brass, steel and cowhide, monogrammed “HP” and numbered 10/40. Some other notable items that were auctioned:
- Console, designed in 1968 and executed in 1989 by Philippe Hiquily and Jean-Claude Farhi (1940- 2012) of gilt bronze and yellow Altuglas acrylic resin, numbered 7/8 with the foundry mark “Bocquel Fd.” Sold for US$21,760 inc. premium.
- Cumulus Table, 2010, from an edition of 20, carved marble, incised “Joris Laarman, 5/20,” by Joris Laarman (b. 1979). Sold for US$64,000 inc. premium.
- Executive Desk, 1965, at Maison Leleu, of mahogany, patinated and gilt bronze. Estimate: US$8,000–$12,000.
- Hummingbird Rug, from Alexander McQueen (1969-2010), of hand-woven silk, metallic thread and wool. Estimate: US$15,000–$20,000.
The sale also highlighted works of fine art, with pieces from prominent artists David Hockney (b. 1937), whose “Pool Made with Paper and Blue Ink for Book” sold for US$40,960 including premium, Kenny Scharf (b. 1958), whose 2014 “Ice Mont Ster” sold for US$51,200 including premium. Amazing rock-and-roll photographs that capture the essence of iconic characters including Bob Dylan and John Lennon were also showcased.
This exhibition and sale presented the perfect opportunity for art lovers to explore and celebrate some of the outstanding works of art and design that have graced the collections of some notable and inspiring people — works to leave us all amazed and inspired.
