The Stars- Collectors of Art 1

The Stars- Collectors of Art

A valuable painting often costs millions. So it’s no wonder that a host of celebrities are among the world’s greatest art collectors. Whether it’s for their love of art or simply because they can, we’re glad to see these high-profile names getting involved in the art world. We’ve gathered together six of the most impressive stars who collect art! They might surprise you…

The Stars- Collectors of Art 1

Elizabeth Peyton, Leonardo (2013)

Leonardo DiCaprio

Spotted several times at Art Basel Miami Beach, actor Leonardo DiCaprio is a regular at contemporary art fairs and auction houses. In 2013, he even organised a charity sale at Christie’s called ‘The 11th Hour’. All the proceeds of the sale were donated to his environmental foundation. He also parted ways with one of his works: Ocean V, a satellite image of Earth by the artist Andreas Gursky. Today, he is said to have in his personal collection works by Oscar Murillo, Salvador Dali and Takashi Murakami – from whom he even bought an unfinished painting for $700,000.

The Stars- Collectors of Art 2

Sofia Coppola with Cold Beer… by Ed Ruscha behind her in her office

Sofia Coppola

Director Sofia Coppola obviously doesn’t just have cinema in her blood! With works by Elizabeth Peyton, Tracey Emin, and William Eggleston to her name, the filmmaker, known in particular for Virgin Suicides, boasts a fine collection. She even draws inspiration from the works she owns, for the tone and atmosphere of her films. There’s no doubt that in 2010 she bought works by enigmatic artist Anne-Laure Sacriste!

The Stars- Collectors of Art 3

Brad Pitt at Art Basel in 2009

Brad Pitt

Entering the art world in 2009 when he acquired a painting by Neo Rauch for $1 million, Brad Pitt has been a true art collector ever since. His entire collection is thought to be worth no less than $25 million! From Banksy and Ed Ruscha, to Richard Serra, Mr. Pitt has more than a few gems of contemporary art. He is also a great lover of Art Deco furniture. In 2012, he collaborated with luxury furniture designer Frank Pollaro to create a dozen pieces in a limited series. Art Deco, street art, American-style minimalism: Brad Pitt doesn’t restrain himself to one genre when it comes to buying art!

Beyoncé and Jay-Z at the Rothko Chapel

Beyoncé and Jay-Z at the Rothko Chapel

Jay-Z and Beyoncé

The musical power couple Jay-Z and Beyoncé have a collection of contemporary art that reflects their place in the global music industry… monumental! Whether orchestrating a piece of performance art to his song ‘Picasso Baby’, appearing at the Pace Gallery or inviting himself to Richard Prince’s table, Jay Z never ceases to express his love for contemporary art! And the feeling is mutual. Indeed, Damien Hirst created two paintings for him and his wife. One of them is even named after the famous rapper’s lyrics, Beat Life, Cheat Death! In addition to this, they own works by Andy Warhol, Richard Prince, Jean-Michel Basquiat, Pablo Picasso and Tim Noble amongst others.

The Stars- Collectors of Art 5

Pharrell Williams in his apartment with works by KAWS

Pharrell Williams

A great admirer of Takashi Murakami and KAWS, singer Pharrell Williams has a large art collection in his Miami penthouse. In 2014, he curated ‘This is not a Toy’ at the Design Exchange in Toronto. The exhibition included his vast collection of over 700 ‘art toys’.

The Stars- Collectors of Art 6

Les Deux Bicyclettes by Fernand Léger in one of Madonna’s houses

Madonna

Last but not least of our stars who collect art, American singer Madonna has an impressive collection of contemporary art valued at $100 million. The first work she acquired was Fernand Léger‘s Les Deux Bicyclettes, at $2 million. She is a great admirer of Frida Kahlo, no doubt for her strength of character, and owns several of her works. That’s not all, the star has also compared herself during her career to Picasso, Hopper, Dali and Man Ray! Could this be due to the fact that she was once Jean-Michel Basquiat‘s girlfriend?

Source

Back to editorial