Following our visit to Phillips’ Berkeley Square Galleries, Fora Gallery is excited to offer an in-depth look at the upcoming auction preview. This March, Phillips presents an exceptional lineup of modern and contemporary masterpieces in two highly anticipated sales events. The Modern & Contemporary Art Evening Sale on March 6 will bring together blue-chip icons and rising stars, followed by the Day Sale on March 7, offering a diverse selection of significant works.
Beyond mere presentation, this auction invites the viewer into a dialogue on perception, transformation, and the shifting boundaries of reality. Each selected work not only marks a defining moment in an artist’s career – whether that of an established master or an emerging voice – but also encapsulates a profound exploration of the surrounding world. As a whole, the collection stands as a testament to the symbolism of artistic discovery and reinterpretation, where reality is not merely observed but redefined. From biomorphic forms to surreal reimaginings of the human body, from romanticized snapshots of everyday life to landscapes both familiar and uncharted, these works provide insight into the artists’ singular perspectives.
Walking through the preview, we were particularly drawn to Joan Mitchell’s Canada II (1975), a dynamic triptych that captures her deep engagement with memory and movement. Nearby, Jean-Michel Basquiat’s Pattya (1984) stood out as a bold interpretation of his travels in Thailand, radiating the raw energy and symbolism that define his legacy. Other standout pieces include Pablo Picasso’s Tête d’homme et nu assis (1964), a late-career work steeped in personal symbolism, and Yayoi Kusama’s INFINITY-NETS [APPGF] (2017), a hypnotic example of her meditative artistic practices. The sale also features Le Corbusier’s striking Personnages devant une porte et main (1931), Christopher Wool’s experimental compositions, and Jean Dubuffet’s Arabe au désert (1948), a rare work from his North African-inspired series. Notably, the inclusion of Nathanaëlle Herbelin’s auction debut highlights Phillips’ commitment to both legacy and innovation.
Encountering these works up close allowed us to fully appreciate the meticulous curation that shapes this auction. Collectors and art enthusiasts will have the opportunity to view the full selection in person at Phillips’ Berkeley Square Galleries from February 27 to March 7, ahead of the live auctions. With a curatorial approach that bridges past, present, and the yet-to-be-defined, Phillips’ March sales offer an immersive journey into the evolving language of modern and contemporary art.
At Fora Gallery, our visit to Phillips’ London preview serves as a key milestone in our strategic goal to actively engage with major auction houses across Europe, the UK, and beyond. We are driven by the ambition to showcase the exceptional works from our region and the artists we represent at world-class events of this scale, with dedication and vision.