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Johnny Depp Auctions 9 Basquiat Works at Christie's London

market-auction · 2026-05-05

Christie's announced that nine works by Jean-Michel Basquiat from Johnny Depp's collection will be included in its Post-War and Contemporary Art auction in London on June 29-30. The works, dating from the early 1980s, were amassed by Depp over 25 years, starting from 1981 when Basquiat transitioned from street artist to global contemporary art star. Depp had previously expressed deep admiration for Basquiat in a 2000 catalog, writing about the warmth and immediacy of Basquiat's poetry. The sale has sparked speculation in the media that it may be linked to Depp's impending divorce from Amber Heard, which involves substantial financial settlements.

Key facts

  • Christie's is auctioning nine Basquiat works from Johnny Depp's collection.
  • The auction takes place in London on June 29-30.
  • The works are from the early 1980s, collected over 25 years.
  • Depp wrote a poetic tribute to Basquiat in a 2000 catalog.
  • The sale may be connected to Depp's divorce from Amber Heard.
  • Basquiat died in 1988.
  • The collection includes works from 1981, a pivotal year for Basquiat.
  • Depp is known for his role in Pirates of the Caribbean.

Entities

Artists

  • Johnny Depp
  • Jean-Michel Basquiat
  • Amber Heard

Institutions

  • Christie's

Locations

  • London
  • United Kingdom

Sources