The 74th SBI Art Auction: A Live Stream Experience of Contemporary Art

The 74th SBI Art Auction: A Celebration of Contemporary Art

SBI Art Auction Co., headquartered in Koto, Tokyo, is thrilled to announce its upcoming event, the 74th SBI Art Auction — Live Stream Auction, scheduled for September 12-13, 2025. This auction promises an impressive array of over 540 works of art, showcasing a rich selection that stands out even among recent live-streamed sales.

This auction will primarily focus on modern and contemporary artworks from the 20th century onward, with categories including painting, print, sculpture, and ceramics. Art enthusiasts can expect a diverse and captivating lineup, including pop art that highlights color and repetition, portraits reflecting urban sensibilities, landscapes capturing light and seasonal changes, and sculptures emphasizing the allure of materials. Noteworthy pieces will be featured from established and emerging artists, both domestic and international.

Among the highlighted artworks is Yayoi Kusama's "Pumpkin (Yellow Y) (Kusama 148)" (1992), which showcases a charming rhythm through its repetitive patterns of yellow dots against a black background. In another iconic piece, Andy Warhol's "COW (F. & S. II.12A)" (1976), a bold pink cow against a vibrant purple backdrop exemplifies the humor and flat color planes typical of silk-screen printing, making it an eye-catching work.

Urban expression is captured beautifully in KYNE's "Untitled" (2022) and Barry McGee's "Untitled" (2019). KYNE brings forth a soft green palette, elegantly portraying a female figure with concise outlines that resonate with the surrounding negative space. In contrast, McGee’s piece features geometric patterns in red, yellow, and black, incorporating facial motifs and text that add intriguing accents. The balance of lines and arrangement creates a satisfying tension.

Freshness and brightness are conveyed in the works of Hiroshi Nagai with "Untitled" (2016) and Rei Imai's "FRUITS" (2020). Nagai captures the clarity of blue skies and water alongside white umbrellas and palm trees by employing sharp outlines that invite a refreshing atmosphere. Meanwhile, Imai organizes fruit on a blue table with soft brushwork and transparent surfaces, allowing the eye to naturally flow across the artwork. Both pieces brilliantly reflect the essence of seasonal brightness.

Focus on materiality and form is evident in the works of Taizo Kuroda with his "White Porcelain Flower Vase" (2013) and Izumi Kato's "Untitled" (2019). Kuroda’s piece showcases a graceful body with a narrow mouth, elegantly reflecting light off its smooth porcelain surface. Kato, on the other hand, maintains the raw traces of washi paper and stone, layering delicate facial line drawings that lend a tranquil presence to the piece. These works invite the viewer to appreciate the interaction between material and form.

This autumn, visitors are encouraged to explore and perhaps discover their favorite piece from this diverse collection, representing various eras and artistic styles.

Event Overview

- Event: 74th SBI Art Auction — Live Stream Auction
- Total Number of Items: 542 (tentative)
- Dates: September 12 (Friday) and 13 (Saturday), 2025, starting at 11:00 AM
- Viewing: No pre-auction viewing; the auction will be conducted via live stream.
- Participation: Bidding can be done via phone, written bid, or online. The auction will be available for viewing on YouTube.

Highlights of the Auction

An online catalog will be available for viewing starting August 25, 2025.

About SBI Art Auction

SBI Art Auction specializes in public auctions of contemporary art, modern art, photography, design, and crafts, contributing to the enhancement of lifestyles through beautiful art pieces. With clientele spanning 63 countries, approximately half of the auction's total sales are attributed to international buyers, highlighting its global nature. The auction features works from significant figures in the Japanese art market, alongside notable international artists whose pieces are less frequently seen in Japan, actively contributing to the growth of the local art scene.