Tobias Meyer of Sotheby's in action

It is still a bit surreal that I now attend the sales that I used to dream about before I began working in the art world. They were so exclusive, elusive and glamorous–that is until I actually went to one and was relegated to watching on a tv screen from a separate room. The fact that attendees clap when works go for high numbers is a bit nauseating. The differences between the two auction houses is interesting; Christie’s is a bit stiffer and stodgier but the fact that there are luxury boxes surrounding the auction room at Sotheby’s makes it seem like more of a Hollywood event than a place to acquire works of art that move the soul and spirit. Christie’s sale was lackluster with 12 lots buying in (not selling). Sotheby’s had better works on offer and thus the sale was a success though the mood is not as enthusiastic as in years past. It will be very interesting to see what happens this week in the Contemporary sales. Fingers crossed that they will be strong.