With the opening of the Bellagio Hotel in October 1998, fine art entered the gaming paradise of Las Vegas. Since 2009, MGM Resorts International has presented its ever-growing art collection at one of their other Las Vegas properties, the Aria Resort & Casino. Today, the leisure group has decided to part ways with eleven works by Pablo Picasso and called on Sotheby's to orchestrate a live broadcast auction on 23 October – two days before Picasso's 140th birthday – at the Bellagio.
“It’s an honor to collaborate with Sotheby’s to bring this first-of-its-kind art and entertainment experience to Las Vegas and embark on this momentous auction,” said Ari Kastrati, MGM Resorts’ Chief Hospitality Officer. “We welcome millions of visitors from around the world annually throughout our resorts, giving us a tremendous platform for showcasing diverse perspectives within the art community. While diversity has long been in MGM Resorts’ DNA, we are committed to creating an even more inclusive collection that maintains the breadth of our existing portfolio while giving a greater voice to artists from under-represented communities.”
This sale marks a first for MGM and the city of Las Vegas, but also for Sotheby's as it's the first big evening sale in North America presented by the auction house outside New York.
See also: Picasso's Hidden Talent
The sale will include eleven works by Picasso created between 1917 and 1969, providing a comprehensive overview of his career. The premiere lot is Woman with a Red-Orange Beret, an iconic portrait that Picasso painted of his then-companion, Marie-Thérèse Walter, in January 1938 (estimated at $20-$30 million or £14.5-21.8 mil).
The rest of the selection includes Man and Child (1969, also estimated at $20-30 million), Bust of a Man (1969, estimated at $10-15 million or £7.3-10.9 mil) and Still Life with a Basket of Fruits and Flowers (1942, estimated at $10-15 million). Works on paper and ceramics created in Vallauris will also be presented.
The lots will go on an exhibition tour to New York, Taipei, and Hong Kong in September before ending in Las Vegas. In parallel with the sale, luxury items (including cars, jewellery and watches, handbags and collector's sneakers) will also be on display at the Aria Resort & Casino from 21-24 October.
