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, managing partner at Art Fiduciary Advisors and former president at Christie's, dives into the complexities of Jean-Michel Basquiat’s estate. He discusses the challenges of intestacy, the impact of a volatile art market, and the liquidity crisis following Basquiat's unexpected death. Key insights include the complications of valuing illiquid assets, the disputes that erupted among claimants, and how Basquiat's sisters eventually turned the estate into a successful licensing business amid ongoing tax negotiations.

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.