Artnet News' Wet Paint column reports on a special auction held at Clemente Bar in New York, where Fair Warning—an app founded by former Christie's executive Loic Gouzer—sold an Andy Warhol portrait of Brigitte Bardot for $14.5 million ($16.7 million with fees). The event, hosted by Gouzer and curator-advisor Lolita Cros, featured former Christie's auctioneer Jussi Pylkkänen and attracted a crowd of high-net-worth individuals, including Greek shipping magnate George Economou, dealer David Mugrabi, artist Tony Shafrazi, and other art-world figures. Bidding started at $7 million, and the winning bid came from an anonymous phone bidder.
This story matters because it highlights a shift in how high-end art auctions are conducted, blending traditional sales with a nightlife atmosphere to attract younger, fun-seeking collectors. Gouzer's model challenges the staid formality of major auction houses like Christie's and Sotheby's, emphasizing entertainment and social engagement. The sale also underscores the enduring market for Warhol's celebrity portraits, with the Bardot piece fetching a strong price despite the artist's prolific output and the controversial political views of the subject in later life.