- You curated your first exhibition in 2003, at the very young age of 16. Tell us more about that experience.
The first exhibition I organized was a group show titled Incubator. It was a reflection of the art I had grown up around—I included works by Luigi Ontani, McDermott & McGough, my sister Lola, Jorge Galindo, among others. Some of these artists were well known, and others were not, but I had a personal connection with each of them.
- What are your views on the trends, perspectives and expectations of the art industry as you have been experiencing it in your daily life?
Recently I have been looking back at artists from past generations and thinking about how to re-contextualize their work in today’s world.
- We’ve noticed that one of the works provided to the Auction is one by your father Julian Schnabel why did you choose this specific artwork for the “Happy Childhood Foundation” Contemporary Art Auction?
Julian’s work for the benefit auction is from a recent series of paintings in which he uses found materials for the canvas. In this particular piece, he uses a sunbleached tarpaulin from an outdoor fruit market that he discovered in the Lagunillas area of Southern Mexico.
I felt it was important to include his work in the group for the benefit auction. He has a painting currently on view at the Aishti Foundation, as part of Albert Oehlen’s exhibition Trance.
- The Vito Schnabel Gallery is one of the main galleries supporting the “The Happy Childhood Foundation Contemporary Art Auction” with four different artists. Can you share with us your feelings towards this participation?
I was introduced to the Happy Childhood Foundation last year by my friend Karim Abillama. I learned about the important work that they do all around the world, and decided that I wanted to get involved. The benefit auction was the perfect opportunity to do so. I reached out to several artists I work with—Jeff Elrod, Rashid Johnson, Tom Sachs, and Julian Schnabel—who were all happy to participate and support the foundation as well.
This year, we have organized a few talks that will happen the day before the event, which I’m very much looking forward to. Bob Colacello, the former editor of Andy Warhol’s Interview magazine, and one of the artist’s closest collaborators, will give a talk on his time working with Warhol and the artist’s legacy.
- Has the role of the artists changed in the world over time?
Artists have always played an important role in society—they help to shape our culture. Today it seems like there are more working artists than ever, and they continue to occupy this important position.
About the Auction:
After the success of the two first editions in 2015 and 2017, the HCF Contemporary Art Auction
will take place on Thursday March 14th, 2019 at the MIM Museum in Beirut at 6pm.
- Sotheby’s Londonas supporting Auction house, with auctioneer Martin Klosterfelde, Senior Director and Senior Specialist in the Contemporary Art department at Sotheby’s.
- UBS Switzerland AGas exclusive sponsor.
- 21 works of art by leading international and regional contemporary artistsincluding Julian Schnabel, Jeff Elrod, Katherine Bernhardt, Brian Calvin, Raymond Pettibon, Michael Biberstein, Nadim Karam, Samia Halaby, Lara Baladi and many more…
- Partnership with leading galleries in New York, Chicago, London, Brussels, Paris, and the Middle East region.
The HCF Contemporary Art Auction 3rd edition Official Catalogue to Download Here
www. forahappychildhood.org