Basquiat Met Warhol, the Auction Room Turned Electric in New York

A single canvas, co-created by Andy Warhol and Jean-Michel Basquiat in 1984, just shattered expectations at Sotheby’s New York, fetching $19.4 million—the highest price ever for a joint work by these two art-world giants. This headline moment unfolded during a record-breaking evening that saw total sales climb 30% over last year, reaching $267.3 million. But the surprises didn’t stop at the top lot. Women artists claimed 42% of the auction’s offerings—a dramatic leap from just 17.8% five years ago—with several works far surpassing their estimates. Toyin Ojih Odutola’s vibrant portrait nearly doubled its projected price, while new records were set for Lucy Bull and Faith Ringgold. In a market often defined by familiar names, this auction spotlighted both collaboration and overdue recognition, proving that the art world’s pulse beats strongest when history and innovation share the stage. #ArtAuctions #BasquiatWarhol #ContemporaryArt #Culture