The Deans’ Choice Is Talk of The Town at Bonhams New York
Launched by Kasseem Daoud Dean, a.k.a. “Swizz Beatz,” and Alicia Keys Dean, the initiative helps living artists benefit financially when their work changes hands in the secondary market
With New York Art Week underway, all eyes are on The Deans’ Choice installation at the infamous Bonhams Auction House.
The Deans’ Choice, launched by renowned producer Kasseem Daoud Dean, also known as “Swizz Beatz,” and musician Alicia Keys Dean, is an elective artist resale royalty program designed to ensure living artists benefit financially when their artwork changes hands in the secondary market. The program, started in September, also helps to uplift the visions of Black artists and their contemporary work.
“The Deans’ Choice with Bonhams extends recognition to the artists themselves – not as a gesture, but as a working part of how we sell,” Bonhams CEO Seth Johnson said. “We believe this is where the market is heading, and we intend to help take it there.”
The Deans celebrated their initiative with musician H.E.R., artists Derrick Adams and Tschabalala Self, and others from the art and entertainment space at Bonhams’s New York City flagship. Guests were able to view the house’s upcoming 20th and 21st Century Art Week sales, and mingle among works by Constantin Brancusi, Henri Matisse, Renoir, Amoako Boafo, Mickalene Thomas, and George Condo.
Taking center stage in the historic Steinway Hall rotunda, guests viewed an extraordinary presentation of five bronze sculptures by Brancusi, expected to fetch $25 million at the auction “Brancusi: The Legacy,” taking place at Bonhams on November 18.
The night also featured a special menu by chef, artist, and food designer Jen Monroe with her project, BAD TASTE. Patrons enjoyed a selection of cubist-inspired small bites, desserts, and beverages. Creative tablescapes in the atrium served potato pavés dressed with saffron mayo and begonia petals, a colorful spread of dragonfruit and pandan cubes, and a paté de fruit mosaic. In the upper galleries, an Impressionist painting-inspired cake adorned with condensed milk buttercream and pulled sugar water lilies echoed the displayed artworks from the likes of August Renoir, Camille Pissarro, and more.
The Deans’ Choice initiative also speaks to the larger mission through The Dean Collection, established By Kasseem and Alicia Keys Dean in 2014. The collection focuses heavily on Black, African, and African-diasporic contemporary artists and pays homage to their personal mission: “By the artist, for the artist, with the people.” The duo has also supported artists through No Commission, an art platform that allows artists to keep 100 percent of their sales proceeds.
“Collect art from the heart,” Kasseem Dean said. “Just collect what you feel. Imagine living with something you don’t feel, or imagine living with something that’s just transactional and you’re just waiting for the value to go up? Those days are going to be long and boring.”
Featured works from the exhibit included Amoako Boafo’s Sunset III, Mickalene Thomas’ Oh Mickey!, and Todd James’ Basement Dwellers Bazaar.
The celebration also capped a landmark year for Bonhams, following the opening of its new U.S. flagship earlier this year. Bringing together artists, collectors, and cultural tastemakers, the evening further established the historic 111 West 57th Street address as a vibrant new destination for the city.