Art

Christie’s Asia 40th Anniversary

January 23, 2026 - By shubham kumar

This January, Christie’s presents a preview of its Asia 40th Anniversary Sales in Singapore, offering a rare opportunity to view important works by some of the most influential modern and contemporary artists before they are auctioned in Hong Kong.

The preview brings together works by Pablo Picasso, Claude Monet, Bernard Buffet, Yoshitomo Nara, Le Pho, and Adrien-Jean Le Mayeur de Merprès, among others. Together, the selection reflects a wide range of styles, periods, and cultural influences.

A Key Highlight by Picasso

Among the works on view is Pablo Picasso’s Nu couché et musicien, a composition built around one of the artist’s most familiar themes: the relationship between the creator and the figure who inspires him. Here, the traditional artist-and-model dynamic is transformed into a musician and his admirer, creating a scene that feels intimate and expressive.

The presence of the guitar, a recurring symbol in Picasso’s work, adds personal and cultural meaning. It recalls the artist’s Spanish roots and his lifelong interest in music as rhythm, form, and structure.

A Moment to Experience the Works

Rather than focusing on the auction itself, the Singapore preview offers a chance to encounter these works in person. Removed from the intensity of the sale room, the artworks can be viewed quietly, allowing space for reflection and appreciation.

This approach highlights the value of seeing art beyond its market context, where material, composition, and emotion take precedence.

For collectors, curators, and art enthusiasts, the preview represents a rare opportunity to engage with significant works ahead of a landmark moment for Christie’s in Asia.