Phillips to Offer Photographs from The Martin Z. Margulies Foundation

 

NEW YORK – 7 MARCH 2024 – It is Phillips’ distinct honor to announce the sale of Photographs from The Martin Z. Margulies Foundation, with proceeds benefitting the philanthropic mission of this important non-profit organization. Often lauded as one of the most influential and visionary collectors today, Martin Margulies has amassed a truly boundary-breaking collection. Reflecting the full breadth and depth of 20th century and contemporary art across genres and media, his collection features work by internationally celebrated artists, with a focus on diverse perspectives. Margulies has created a unique exhibition space for this collection in Miami, named The Warehouse, which serves not only as a bespoke venue for exhibitions curated from his own collection, but also as a public space offering free access to an astonishing and ever-changing array of artistic masterworks.

 

The first of Phillips’ planned sales for the Margulies Foundation will take place on 4 April, featuring over 150 lots in a distinct standalone auction that precedes the company’s Spring Various Owners sale of Photographs on 5 April. The auction will include seminal photographs by artists as diverse as Walker Evans, Dorthea Lange, Gordon Parks, Cindy Sherman, Carrie Mae Weems, Hank Willis Thomas, Danny Lyon, and Ed Ruscha, among many other photographers from the pantheon of greats. A second standalone auction will take place in October 2024, with online auctions to be announced at a later date. Proceeds from all sales will be used to fund the work of the Margulies Foundation to improve the status of poor, homeless, and marginalized children and families; to address hunger and food security; and to provide for the special needs of veterans.

 

Martin Margulies said, “There comes a time in every collector’s journey when they must address the future of their collection. When we started collecting photography in the 1990s, it opened up a whole new life: new books to read, new galleries to visit, new people to connect with, and new things to learn. I have enjoyed working with the team at Phillips, who have shown tremendous enthusiasm and creativity during this process, with an extraordinary level of dedication to the field of photography. Now, we are excited to present these photographs to a new generation of collectors who we hope will share our passion for photography and our deep appreciation for the medium in all its manifestations.”

 

Vanessa Hallett, Deputy Chairwoman, Americas, and Worldwide Head of Photographs, said, “One of the most instinctual and daring collections of photographs to come to market in recent years, the Margulies Collection is a rare gem that can truly be appreciated by anyone. The works to be offered by Phillips explore the human condition in its many forms and beautifully complement the philanthropic mission of the Foundation. It has been a highlight of my career getting to know Mr. Margulies over the years, and to explore so many different aspects of photography through the thoughtful exhibitions he and his team have curated. Equally as inspiring are the Foundation’s charitable pursuits. Phillips is honored to assist the Foundation raise funds for their important work.”

 

 

 

 

Highlights from the April sale include Gordon Parks’ epic and nuanced document of America’s racial history. First published in LIFE magazine in 1956, his Segregation Story is a timeless portrayal of the human experience that continues to influence culture and spark dialogue surrounding race and equity in the United States. Phillips is proud to offer the brilliant suite of 12 photographs, marking the first time that a complete set has ever appeared at auction.

 

Danny Lyon’s exploration of the motorcycle subculture of the 1960s, The Bikeriders, will also be featured in the April auction. An avid motorcyclist, Lyon joined the Chicago Outlaws Motorcycle Club, embedding himself within the closed world of the gang and creating one of the most complete documentary projects of the 20th century, comprised of 50 photographs.  The sale at Phillips marks the first time that a full suite of 50 photographs will be offered at auction.  A set of 76 photographs from Lyon’s study of Texas prisons, Conversations with the Dead, will also be offered, estimated at $50,000-70,000.

 

 

 

 Illustrating the multidisciplinary nature of the collection are several artists who work across media, including Olafur Eliasson, Awol Erizku, Christopher Wool and Ed Ruscha. Ruscha’s wry investigation of the manmade landscape of Los Angeles is represented by two bodies of work, Gasoline Stations and Vacant Lots, both of which showcase the artist’s unique ability to find inspiration amidst the utilitarian commercial architecture and urban sprawl of the west coast.  These works wonderfully capture the spirit of Margulies vision as a collector, breaking down the boundaries of traditional collecting pursuits to acquire works that represent the very best of both photography and 20th century and Contemporary art.

 

Phillips has demonstrated an unwavering commitment to photographs, remaining the only major auction house to host consistently scheduled live auctions dedicated to photographs as a regular part of their seasonal calendar. Photograph sales at Phillips increased 10% in 2023 from the previous year and in the May 2023 auction, 44% of buyers were first-time buyers at Phillips, underscoring the growing audience for the medium. Sales have also seen consistent international participation with upwards of 40 countries registering to bid in every photographs auction.

 

 

 

Auction: 4 April 2024

Auction viewing: 27 March - 3 April

Location: 432 Park Avenue, New York, NY

Click here for more information: https://www.phillips.com/auctions/auction/NY040024

 

ABOUT PHILLIPS

Phillips: where the world’s curious and bold connect with the art, design and luxury that inspires them. As a leading global platform for buying and selling 20th and 21st century works, Phillips offers dedicated expertise in the areas of Modern and Contemporary Art, Design, Photographs, Editions, Watches, and Jewelry. Auctions and exhibitions are primarily held in New York, London, Geneva, and Hong Kong, with representative offices based throughout Europe, the United States and Asia. Phillips offers a regular selection of live and online auctions, along with items available for immediate purchase. Phillips also offers a range of services and advice on all aspects of collecting, including private sales and assistance with appraisals, valuations, and financial planning.

Visit phillips.com for further information.

 

*Estimates do not include buyer’s premium; prices achieved include the hammer price plus buyer’s premium.

 

PRESS CONTACTS:            

NEW YORK – Jaime Israni, Head of PR and Corporate Communications, Americas     jisrani@phillips.com  

 

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