A two-day auction of George Michaels art collection earned over $15 million, which will be used toward the late singers philanthropic efforts.
During his lifetime, Michael amassed dozens of works by contemporary British artists like Damien Hirst, Tracey Emin, Sarah Lucas, Michael Craig-Martin and Marc Quinn who formed the Young British Art movement.
Through visits to galleries and artists studios, [Michael] developed friendships with many of the YBA artists whose work he deeply admired, Christies auction house in London said of Michaels collection, which 12,000 people visitors viewed at a pre-auction exhibition.
Two works by Damien Hirst from Michaels collection The Incomplete Truth and Saint Sebastian, Exquisite Pain alone sold for a combined $2.3 million. A Tracey Emin neon titled George Loves Kenny received a high bid of $461,000.
A pair of commissioned works also sold for six figures: Michael Craig-Martins Commissioned Portrait Untitled (George) a wall-mounted LCD monitor/computer with integrated software that displayed a color-changing portrait of the singer sold for $231,000, a record for the artist, while Jim Lambies Careless Whisper, named after the Wham! song, $232,000, nearly 10 times its pre-auction estimate.
An additional $332,000 from the sale of catalogues and limited edition tote bags will also go toward charity.
Philanthropic work was hugely important for George during his lifetime and it was his wish that this work would continue after his passing, Michaels trustees said following the auction.