Protests Disrupt Sotheby’s Contemporary Art Sale

While the Sotheby’s Post War and Contemporary Art Evening Sale realized  totals of £44.4 million another very different auction was taking place outside on the street in London. The Arts Against Cuts group were auctioning off public services like the libraries for £.99 or a pound could purchase the NHS.Loud orgasmic moans were vocalized during the auction by  five activists who interrupted the sale of a painting by Andy Warhol to protest against the British government’s proposed funding cuts. The young people, inspired by performance art, began their gig with groans and then unfolded a large red banner that declared the sale an “Orgy of the Rich.” When confronted by the police the alternative auctioneer stated; “and what do you think about the cuts to the police services?” The officers declined to comment. Some of the lively group were dressed as Marilyn, in homage to a Warhol on sale inside. As the sale progressed the painting achieved over three million. AAC shouted 222 university places could be funded by that painting. The Evening sale featured Richter, Warhol, and Hockney all priced with seven figure estimates. The results for lots achieving over £1m were  GERHARD RICHTER – £7,209,250 ANDY WARHOL – £3,177,250 JUAN MUÑOZ – £3,065,250 ROBERT RYMAN – £1,889,250FRANZ GERTSCH – £1,497,250 DAVID HOCKNEY – £1,329,250 LUCIO FONTANA – £1,273,250 GLENN BROWN – £1,273,250

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