Doug Woodham

Doug Woodham, former president of Christie's Americas and author, dives into Basquiat’s remarkable rise in the art market. He discusses how Basquiat was initially undervalued but became an icon through key collector endorsements that stabilized his market. Woodham highlights how institutional skepticism and collector strategies shaped perceptions. He also explores the impact of the 1996 film on Basquiat's fame and the role of recent high-profile sales in boosting market demand, all while questioning whether collectors or Basquiat's genius created his value.

Doug Woodham, former president of Christie's Americas and author of "Jean-Michel Basquiat: The Making of an Icon," dives into the fascinating world of art investment. He discusses how Basquiat, once undervalued, became a key figure in the modern art scene. Woodham highlights the impact of significant collectors in reviving his market and explores how societal factors, like his early death, enhanced his myth. He also sheds light on the complexities of the art market, institutional endorsements, and the role of media in shaping perceptions.