On May 12, 2022, Ernie Barnes’ 1970 Sugar Shack painting sold for $13 million at Christie’s New York auction, more than 75 times its estimated price. Here's a look at moment it happened: That particular work stirred up memories for many people who saw it behind the credits on the sitcom Good Times and on a Marvin GaBarnes’ paintings are currently on exhibit at UTA Artist Space Los Angeles and at Frieze Los Angeles. The UTA show focuses on Barnes music-inspired works, which are joyful celebrations of juke joints and dance halls. Ernie Barnes: Where Music and Soul Live will be on exhibit through April 1, 2023.
Just in case you missed it, a Jeff Koons Balloon Dog Sculpture was smashed to bits during Miami’s Art Wynwood V.I.P. preview night on February 16.
A New York Times report said that an unidentified woman tapped the blue porcelain sculpture with her finger, causing it to fall off its pedestal and crash to the floor. A large crowd gathered around the shards. Here’s a video of the aftermath:
The 16 by 19 inch piece was insured for $42,000. The broken pieces were swept up and placed in a box, waiting for the insurance company to assess the damage. Fortunately for collectors the sculpture was one of 799.
References:
Steve Vockrodt. UMB Bank says in court Thomas Hart Benton's descendants fabricated claims of estate mismanagement. KCUR/BBC Newshour. February 10, 2023.
Andrew Goldstein. 6 of the Best Artworks at Frieze Los Angeles 2023, From a Jennifer Bartlett Masterwork to a Powerful Debut by a 24-Year-Old Rising Star. Artnet News. February 17, 2023.
Victoria L. Valentine. Auction Record: Iconic ‘Sugar Shack’ Painting by Ernie Barnes Sells for Whopping $15.3 Million. Culture Type. May 14, 2022.
Leigh-Ann Jackson. Ernie Barnes’ iconic, musical paintings come to life at this ’70s time warp of an L.A art gallery. Los Angeles Times. February 14, 2023.
Amanda Rosa. Woman accidentally breaks $42,000 Jeff Koons sculpture at Art Wynwood in Miami. The Miami Herald. February 17, 2021.
Amanda Holpuch. Art Fair Visitor Breaks a Jeff Koons Balloon Dog Sculpture. The New York Times. February 18, 2023.
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