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Key points: 4e1o70
Sale date: May 14, 2025, 21st Century Sale at Christie's in New York.
Jean-Michel Basquiat : Baby Boom (1982) sold for $23.4 million, setting a new record for the artist.
Marlene Dumas : Miss January (1997) sold for $13.6 million, a record for a work by a living artist.
The sale highlights the growing impact of women's art and Basquiat's continued importance in the art market.
On May 14, 2025, Christie's auction house held an exceptional sale at its 21st Century Sale , where two leading artists in the contemporary art market made history. Jean-Michel Basquiat and Marlene Dumas saw their works sur all expectations, setting new records and attracting international attention.
Jean-Michel Basquiat: Baby Boom breaks records 6d46y
Jean-Michel Basquiat's Baby Boom (1982) caused a sensation at this auction, fetching an impressive $23.4 million. This canvas, emblematic of the artist's most prolific period, captured the essence of his unique style, which blended abstraction, expressionism, and social commentary. Basquiat, known for his ability to evoke political and social tensions through his raw and energetic art, once again saw his work reach new heights.
The work Baby Boom , with its nervous lines and powerful motifs, echoes the themes of childhood and violence, which are recurrent in Basquiat's work. The record price achieved by this work at the sale testifies to the continued enthusiasm for the art of this artist, whose impact on the contemporary art market continues to grow.
Marlene Dumas: Miss January sets record for a living artist v2i41
For her part, Marlene Dumas also marked a turning point in her career with the sale of Miss January (1997), a particularly intense and expressive work. This painting, which sold for $13.6 million, set a new record for a work by a living artist, confirming Dumas's meteoric rise on the international scene.
Miss January explores sensuality and vulnerability through an enigmatic portrait that questions the perception of beauty and sexuality. This record-breaking amount highlights not only the growing recognition of her unique talent but also the importance of women's art in the contemporary art market.
FAQ 4on18
When did the sale take place?
The sale took place on May 14, 2025, during the 21st Century Sale at Christie's.
What is the record amount achieved by Basquiat's Baby Boom ?
Baby Boom sold for $23.4 million.
What is the price of Marlene Dumas' Miss January ?
Miss January sold for $13.6 million.
Why is this sale important?
She set sales records for works by major 20th and 21st century artists, Basquiat and Dumas, and highlighted the importance of women's art.
What does this sale reveal about the contemporary art market?
It shows the continued rise of living artists and the growing importance of women's art at major auctions.
Nicolas Sarazin 
