Urban Art
Within the contemporary art scene, urban art is one of the most dynamic emerging sectors of the market. Under the initiative of Arnaud Oliveux and Karine Castagna, Artcurial has become one of the pioneering auction houses in this speciality, organising its first sales in 2006.
Orchestrated around historic American artworks from the 1990s as well as renowned artists such as Os Gemeos, José Parla, Vhils and Swoon, these auction sessions offer a comprehensive look at urban creation.
Combined with the diversity of the artworks on offer, the expertise of the specialists has enabled the house to achieve remarkable results, such as the world record for Futura 2000’s Stupid, which was sold for €104,000, Banksy’s Rodeo Girl, which was sold for €379,500, Kaws’ spectacular Final Days, which was sold for €985,000, and Invader’s Rubik Space, which went for €492,600.
The department’s international reputation is also illustrated by the sale of private collections. The Don’t Believe the Hype and Outsider(s): A History of Beautiful Losers auctions in 2019 and the Roméo Sarfati Collection in 2022 attracted street culture enthusiasts from all over the world.
Artcurial’s specialists are at your disposal for free and confidential valuations of your objects and works of urban art.
Specialists
Arnaud Oliveux
Associate Director, AuctioneerPhone +33 1 42 99 16 28
aoliveux@artcurial.com
Diplômé en droit privé, Arnaud Oliveux se passionne pour l’art contemporain lors de ses études à l’École du Louvre entre 1996 et 2000 suivant l’enseignement de Bernard Blistène, Christine Macel et Laurent Le Bon.
En 2003 il rejoint le département art contemporain de la maison Artcurial et est diplômé commissaire-priseur. En 2005 il devient un des spécialistes de la maison puis est habilité pour diriger les ventes volontaires en septembre 2008.
Son intérêt pour la création contemporaine l’a amené à avoir des liens directs et privilégiés avec les artistes : il a d’ailleurs été l’assistant de Xavier Veilhan pendant plusieurs années et a contribué à la rétrospective de ce dernier au Magasin de Grenoble en 2000.
Depuis 2006, il est pionnier en France dans le développement des ventes aux enchères de graffiti et d’art urbain.
Son contact privilégié avec certains artistes l’a amené à organiser des ventes qui prennent l’allure de véritables évènements mettant en valeur les cultures urbaines à travers des performances et des rencontres avec les acteurs de ce secteur.
Artcurial est aujourd’hui devenu leader sur ce créneau dont la reconnaissance s’impose aujourd’hui au niveau international enregistrant régulièrement des records comme sur Invader, Shepard Fairey, Vhils ou Jose Parla.
En 2019, Arnaud Oliveux devient directeur associé de la maison de vente et poursuit le développement de cette spécialité sous le nom Urban & Pop Contemporary à travers des projets curatés comme Outsider(s), a history of Beautiful Losers, Don’t believe the Hype ou Search & Stop.
Contacts
News
The Urban Project sales make a comeback to Artcurial
In a particularly dynamic context, the session on April 17th 2024, will be a privileged showcase for the contemporary French scene, highlighting the French Touch through such notable works as Invader’s Alias PA_810 (estimated at €60,000 - €80,000). At the same time, we will delve into the world of old school graffiti, highlighting iconic figures such as Futura 2000 with his work Untitled (estimated at €50,000 - €70,000) and JonOne. You will also have the opportunity to discover some of the leading artists of international urban art, such as Banksy, Shepard Fairey and Vhils.
A masterful work by DRAN unveiled
On 6th December 2023, Artcurial’s Twenty One Contemporary sale featured a masterful work by DRAN created in 2010/2011 for the show Fuzion by the Toulouse-based performance company Arawak Crew. In this work, the artist once again demonstrates his critical sense, his talent for observing the world and his obsession with South American cultures.
Premier regard, benefiting the Fondation des Artistes
On Monday 11th September 2023, Artcurial inaugurated its second semester with a charity sale in support of contemporary creation. In favor of the Fondation des Artistes, the sale highlighted the works of 90 emerging artists exhibited by the Premier Regard association over its 20 years of activity. All proceeds from the sale were donated to the Fondation des Artistes in support of its work with artists.
Artcurial is partner of the charity sale for the benefit of La Voix de L’Enfant Association
Artcurial was pleased to be a partner of the charity auction organised by the Musée Grévin to support the missions of the Association La Voix de L’Enfant. The sale will took place on 22nd March 2023 and was dedicated to the urban artist ZoulliArt, creator of portraits of celebrities, hence the association with the museum. All the profits generated by the 35 lots offered for sale were used to finance the associations federated within La Voix de L'Enfant, all of which are intended to help and assist children in danger.
Roméo Sarfati Collection
A look from an Art lover
Artcurial presented for sale on 14th December 2022, the unique collection of Roméo Sarfati, actor and passionate collector. Gathering all types of post-war vintage items and film posters, the collection also included numerous works of urban art by artists such as Speedy Graphito, Invader, Jérôme Mesnager or Miss. Tic, reflecting the encounters this enthusiast had made over the years.
Art Against Pain Charity Auction: When Street aArt Gets Involved with Chronic Pain
The Art Against Pain sale on 29 November 2022 was part of the Adolphe de Rothschild Foundation Hospital's project to use street art as a therapeutic tool in the treatment of patients suffering of chronic pain. Proceeds from the sale - featuring works by over 60 French and international artists - were used to set up an art therapy studio. Artcurial joined forces with this initiative through Arnaud Oliveux, Associate Director of the company and auctioneer for the sale.
Urban art honoured in the CAPITALE(S) exhibition
in partnership with the city hall of Paris
Artcurial was a partner of the exhibition entitled CAPITALE(S), dedicated to urban art. This project, conceived by the City of Paris and presented inside and outside its walls, was open to the public until 25th March 2023, free of charge and upon registration.
Interview with Marlène Mocquet
Discover the unique world of artist Marlène Mocquet through an interview featuring one of her works, presented at auction on 26th October 2022 for the first Generation 21 by Artcurial sale.
Generation 21 by Artcurial
On 26th October 2022, Artcurial presented a completely new auction, entitled Generation 21 by Artcurial focusing on the 21st century. It encompasses the current contemporary art scene and its various niches, such as urban art and contemporary African art, which Artcurial has been successfully developing over the past few years.
Records & Results
474,000 €
26 jun. 2018
162,600 €
12 Dec. 2017