Television producer Ryan Murphy made headlines this week after acquiring a sculpture by artist Simone Leigh for $889,000 during a Sotheby’s auction held in New York. The event featured high-profile pieces, including a record-breaking sale of Gustav Klimt’s painting for $236.4 million, but it was Murphy’s quieter purchase that caught the attention of art enthusiasts.
The auction, which took place on March 15, 2024, highlighted the inaugural sales at Sotheby’s new Breuer Building location. The evening garnered a remarkable total of $706 million, marking it as the highest revenue for a single night in the auction house’s history. The sale included notable works from the estate of the late billionaire and cosmetics mogul Leonard Lauder.
Leigh’s sculpture, titled “Sphinx,” is a 2021 creation made from bronze and platinum leaf. This work reflects her focus on Black feminist thought, emphasizing the experiences of Black women. According to Sotheby’s, Leigh’s art draws from various historical and cultural influences, often intertwining the female form with elements that speak to domestic labor and care.
While Murphy’s recent television project, “All’s Fair,” featuring Kim Kardashian, has faced critical scrutiny, his art acquisition demonstrates his ongoing engagement with contemporary culture. The producer is well-known for his contributions to television, but this significant investment in art underscores his passion for the medium.
The auction featured other remarkable items, including Maurizio Cattelan’s notorious golden toilet, titled “America,” which sold for $12.1 million. This sale was particularly noteworthy as Ripley’s Believe It or Not! announced its purchase through social media, celebrating the unique piece on World Toilet Day. The golden toilet had previously gained notoriety when it was stolen from Blenheim Palace in England in 2019.
Overall, the Sotheby’s auction showcased a blend of high-profile art pieces and significant financial transactions, underscoring the growing intersection of art and celebrity. Murphy’s acquisition of Leigh’s sculpture not only adds to his collection but also highlights his support for contemporary artists and their narratives.
