In a dazzling display of horological excellence, Bonhams Hong Kong Watches auction witnessed a spectacular moment on May 28 as a rare Richard Mille Rafael Nadal RM27-01 carbon skeletonized tourbillon wristwatch set a new record. Fetching an astonishing $1,170,000 US ($9,148,000 HK), this exclusive timepiece has become the highest value wristwatch ever sold at Bonhams.

The RM27-01, a prototype from 2014, is the result of a groundbreaking collaboration between Richard Mille and tennis legend Rafael Nadal that began in 2008. This partnership has produced some of the most sought-after watches in the world.

The extraordinary value achieved at the auction highlights the watch’s unique appeal, underscored by the “PROTO-06” engraving, indicating its status as one of the very few prototypes made for VIP clients before the final limited edition went into production.

Sharon Chan, Head of Department and Director of Watches in Asia, expressed her delight: “Our Hong Kong Watches auction showcased highly desirable pieces from independent watchmakers, which clearly resonated with the market. The exceptional prices achieved, including the record-breaking Richard Mille Rafael Nadal tourbillon wristwatch, reflect the strength and depth of our curation and market insights. The demand for this rare prototype underscores the robust and growing interest in high-end, unique timepieces in Asia.”

The auction also featured other remarkable highlights, including a limited-edition Jacob & Co. Bugatti Chiron tourbillon wristwatch from 2020. This watch, inspired by the aesthetics of hypercars, boasts an automotive-inspired case design and a see-through casing that mirrors the curves of the Chiron’s chassis. It sold for $195,000 US ($1,528,000 HK), illustrating the fusion of automotive engineering and high watchmaking.

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Additional Standout Sales

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A rare Cartier Crash, a design icon first created in 1967, known for its asymmetric, twisted case. This yellow gold manual wristwatch achieved $146,700 US ($1,147,000 HK).

An Audemars Piguet Code 11.59 from 2019, featuring a white gold case and a blue enamel dial with the brand’s patented supersonnerie technology, sold for $127,000 US ($994,600 HK).

An F.P. Journe Octa Reserve ‘Brass Movement’ from 2006, a limited production piece crafted in platinum with a power reserve indicator, date, and rare pink gold dial, fetched $89,000 US ($702,500 HK).

A rare Corum Heritage Taiwan yellow gold coin wristwatch from 1981, ingeniously incorporating the front and back faces of a coin, achieved $29,500 US ($230,400 HK), eight times its pre-sale estimate.

An Otsuka Lotec No.6, a stainless-steel wristwatch with retrograde hours and minutes from 2019, which drew intense competition and sold for $26,200 US ($204,800 HK), ten times its pre-sale estimate.

This auction underscored the dynamic interest and high demand for exceptional and rare timepieces in the Asian market, cementing Bonhams Hong Kong Watches as a premier destination for collectors and enthusiasts worldwide.

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Also Read

Rolex Timepieces Show Strong Results at Bonhams Luxury Watch Auction

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Story submitted by Bonhams. The World Art News (WAN) is not liable for the content of this publication. All statements and views expressed herein are opinions only. Act at your own risk. No part of this publication may be reproduced without written permission. © The World Art News

The post Richard Mille, Rafael Nadal RM 27-01 Skeletonized Tourbillon Wristwatch Breaks Records at Bonhams, Selling for $1.1 Million appeared first on World Art News.

Lynes, whose homoerotic images from the first half of the 20th century have had relatively little exposure, is the subject of a new documentary

Welcome to Part 2 of our exclusive interview with Michael Gregorjev Murn, a renowned Slovenian contemporary artist celebrated for his innovative approach and diverse use of mediums. In this continuation, Murn delves deeper into the distinctive elements that define his artistry, sharing insights into his creative process, his experiences with unconventional materials, and his perspectives on the art world.

Join us as we explore the themes and inspirations behind Murn’s vibrant and thought-provoking works, and gain a closer look at the unique practices that make his art truly exceptional.

What makes your art unique?

My art is known for its diverse use of mediums like painting, drawing, photography, ready-mades, assemblages and collages. I strive to push artistic boundaries by merging different disciplines and experimenting with unique techniques. My pieces feature vibrant colors, dynamic compositions, and themes that provoke thought, reflecting my commitment to innovation.

Additionally, they tackle societal issues, embrace cultural diversity, and offer personal insights, inviting deeper engagement from viewers. My dedication to exploring new artistic realms underpins the distinctiveness of my work.

Have you ever experimented with unconventional or new mediums in your artwork? If so, what was your experience?

Yes, I’ve experimented with a range of unconventional mediums in my art. I’ve worked with mixed media, photomontages, collages, and assemblages, using everything from found objects and consumer goods to industrial materials.

What types of art do you like to surround yourself with?

Besides being an artist myself, I am also an avid collector and have amassed over 600 artworks from various international artists. I have a passion for acquiring art during my travels, and admittedly, my living space has long since become too small to exhibit all the pieces I have gathered over the years.

I have a particular fondness for antiques and discovering neglected artworks in poor condition; it gives me immense satisfaction to restore these pieces, breathing new life into them and restoring their former glory. As for preferences — I appreciate all different styles, techniques, and motifs. Essentially, if a piece captures my attention and sparks my interest, I am drawn to it.

Are there any recurring themes or motifs in your artwork, and if so, what do they represent to you?

My artwork frequently addresses themes of cultural identity, societal commentary, and human experiences. I blend traditional and contemporary elements to examine the complexities of cultural heritage and its modern adaptations.

Urban life, consumerism, and the human condition also feature prominently, allowing me to explore broader social issues and individual perspectives within today’s society. Overall, these recurring themes and motifs underscore my continuous exploration of identity, society, and the human experience in my art.

Do you have a specific routine or ritual you follow when creating art?

I don’t follow a specific routine or ritual when creating art; my process is very impulsive. Inspiration can strike at any moment, even during a regular workday in my office. Recognizing this, we’ve set up an atelier space as part of our headquarter premises to allow me to create whenever inspiration hits.

A unique aspect of my artistic practice is that I often paint and create while dressed in a suit. This not only fits my professional environment but also reflects the spontaneous and unconventional way I approach my art.

There are so many artists today creating amazing art in a vast array of mediums and styles, do you ever feel the pressure of competition?

While the presence of so many talented individuals might seem to heighten competition, I view this as a positive thing. Competition encourages us to strive for excellence and push our boundaries—it brings out the best in us.

The art market is indeed crowded, and to distinguish oneself amid such a wealth of talent requires not just skill but also something unique—an X factor. Moreover, I strongly believe that to succeed in the current climate, artists must also embrace the role of a businessman.

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Part 3 is Coming Soon!

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Interview organized by AAMI Corporation. The World Art News (WAN) is not liable for the content of this publication. All statements and views expressed herein are opinions only. Act at your own risk. No part of this publication may be reproduced without written permission. © The World Art News

The post Exclusive Interview with Renowned Slovenian Contemporary Artist Michael Gregorjev Murn | Part 2 appeared first on World Art News.

A blockbuster show focused on Turner and Constable plus a vast survey of Nigerian modernism are also in the pipeline

A new Infinity Room will also go on show at Victoria Miro gallery in the autumn

Exhibition to explore David Hockney’s lifelong association with the London museum and engagement with Piero della Francesca’s “The Baptism of Christ“

A Century of Black Figuration in Painting at the Kunstmuseum Basel

From May 25 to October 27, 2024, the Kunstmuseum Basel presents the exhibition “When We See Us: A Century of Black Figuration in Painting”

Source: Kunstmuseum Basel · Image: Cinthia Sifa Mulanga, “Wait your turn – Competitive Sisterhood”, 2021. Courtesy of Serge Tiroche and the Africa First Collection© Courtesy African Arty Gallery

In what ways have artists from the African continent and its far-flung diaspora processed the experience of the quotidian in their painting over the last 100 years? Koyo Kouoh, Director and Chief Curator of the Zeitz MOCAA in Cape Town, South Africa, and her team undertook extensive research to find out. The result is a comprehensive show that brings together works by 156 artists: a kaleidoscope of Black figurative painting over the last 100 years. Also scheduled to be on show at the Kunstmuseum Basel, Zeitz MOCAA has created a groundbreaking exhibition that demands to be seen.

The exhibition’s title is inspired by the 2019 Netflix miniseries “When They See Us” by African-American director Ava DuVernay, which focuses on how Black youth are seen as potential criminals and thus as a threat. Replacing “they” with “we” in the title indicates the crucial perspectival shift: The works on show bring into focus the artists’ lived realities as the subject of their own art. Amounting to over 200 pieces, the artworks are grouped into five distinct thematic categories entitled “The Everyday,” “Joy & Revelry,” ”Repose,” “Sensuality,” and “Triumph and Emancipation.”

This multifaceted special exhibition at the Kunstmuseum Basel | Gegenwart introduces viewers to figurative painting by Black artists from Africa and the African Diaspora dating from the 1920s through to the present. Sound stations and atmospheric staging provide complementary contextual elements as aids to interpretation. A multilayered series of public programs designed in collaboration with external partners provides additional approaches to the exhibition.

The two-foot-tall artefact, which hails from Ancient Egypt's Ptolemaic Dynasty, will remain on view in Cleveland for "a few years"

Auction house is in “consultation period” ahead of redundancies, sources say

The comprehensive renovation includes a new restaurant, an events pavilion and the restoration of a James Thornhill mural