Christie’s has announced that photographs from the Madonna’s controversial 1992 Sex book are up for auction for the first time.
A statement on Christie’s website reads,
Christie’s is pleased to announce its participation in the ongoing anniversary celebration initiated by Madonna and Saint Laurent’s re-issue of SEX the boundary-pushing 1992 photography book by Madonna and Steven Meisel.
The much-deserved hype and white-hot energy given off by Madonna in the early 1990s was conveyed and immortalized through Steven Meisel’s photographs. He knew how to capture the allure and sexuality of pop’s reigning queen in a way that was unrivalled.
In the intervening 30 years since her infamous SEX book was released—shot exclusively in collaboration with Meisel—what has become clear is how truly iconic those photographs remain. They sit at a moment in art history of the late 20th century that both summarizes a moment, playful and prescient, and hints at the future of public stardom driven by image-conscious figures.
These images are nothing short of brilliant.“
—Darius Himes, Christie’s Deputy Chairman, International Head of Photographs
Madonna shared on her Instagram, explaining that proceeds from the auction will benefit her charity Raising Malawi,
dedicated to transforming the lives of children in Malawi through health, education and community support.
Proof that great causes can move mountains. 😜♥️.”
The book was released one day after Madonna dropped her fifth studio album Erotica in October 1992 ad spent three weeks on top of the New York Times Best Seller list.
Last October, she she posted a statement on her Instagram, calling out those who sex-shamed her,
Thirty years ago I published a book called S.E.X. in addition to photos of me naked. There were photos of men kissing men, woman [sic] kissing woman, and me kissing everyone.
I also wrote about my sexual fantasies and shared my point of view about sexuality in an ironic way.
I spent the next few years being interviewed by narrow-minded people who tried to shame me for empowering myself as a woman. I was called a bitch, a witch, a heretic and the devil. Now Cardi B can sing about her WAP. Kim Kardashian can grace the cover of any magazine with her ass and Miley Cyrus can come in like a wrecking ball.
You’re welcome bitches…….”
Madonna x Meisel – The Sex Photographs, over 40 works, an editions of one, will be in a live sale at Christie’s New York, October 6, 2023.
These controversial photos from Madonna’s “Sex” art book are being sold at auction for the first time https://t.co/rwvGZPZrsG
— CNN (@CNN) May 12, 2023
(via People)
