Catherine Millet on Damien Hirst's Auction and Jean-Pierre Raynaud's Christie's Sale

Catherine Millet, in an editorial for art press, compares Damien Hirst's auction at Sotheby's in September 2008 with Jean-Pierre Raynaud's sale at Christie's in 2006. She characterizes Hirst's auction as a mere market stunt, coinciding with the collapse of Lehman Brothers, and suggests it failed to genuinely alter the art market landscape. In contrast, Millet emphasizes Raynaud's decision to sell his entire studio stock following his exhibition at Musée de Nice, framing it as a profound existential choice. She critiques the excitement surrounding Hirst's evasion of galleries, pointing out the rise of numerous art fairs (Art Unlimited, Art Statements, Liste, Volta, Show Off, Slick) that cater to collectors seeking alternatives beyond speculation. Additionally, the editorial notes the passing of Daniel Caux on July 12, a notable French music curator and producer who supported avant-garde artists like Albert Ayler and Sun Ra, and contributed to various cultural institutions and publications since 1969.