Is Yusaku Maezawa the next mega collector in the making? Judging by the Japanese online shopping magnate’s recent acquisitions, he’s making a strong case.
He bought seven works at Christie’s and Sotheby’s at New York’s spring auction, spending $98 million within two days. In a statement Maezawa announced he plans to put the art on public display in Tokyo at his Contemporary Art Foundation, which “hosts collection shows twice per year.”
According to the BBC, the 40-year-old billionaire made his fortune by starting the e-commerce company Start Today in 1998, and the online fashion retailer Zozotown in 2004.
Here’s what Maezawa bought and how much he spent.
1. $57.2 million on Jean-Michel Basquiat’s Untitled (1982), a new record for the artist.
Jean-Michel Basquiat, Untitled (1982) Image: Courtesy of Christie’s Images Ltd.
2. $13.9 million on Christopher Wool’s Untitled (1990).
Christopher Wool, Untitled, 1990. Photo: courtesy Sotheby’s New York.
3. $9.7 million on Richard Prince’s Runaway Nurse (2007), a record for the artist.
Richard Prince, Runaway Prince (2005-6). Image: Courtesy of Christie’s Images Ltd.
4. $6.9 million on Jeff Koons’ Lobster (2007).
Jeff Koons, Lobster (executed in 2007-2012). Image: Christie’s Images Ltd.
5. $2.6 million on Adrian Ghenie‘s Self Portrait as Vincent Van Gogh (2012)
Adrian Ghenie Self Portrait as Vincent Van Gogh (2012) Photo: Sotheby’s
6. $5.8 million on Alexander Calder’s Sumac 17 (1955).
Alexander Calder Sumac 17 (1955) Photo: Chistie’s
7. $1.69 million on Bruce Nauman’s Eat War (1986).
Bruce Nauman Eat War (1986). Photo: Christie’s
Total: $98 million
With a fortune estimated at $2.7 billion, Maezawa clearly has the resources to go toe-to-toe with some of the most deep-pocketed collectors to get the works he wants.