Francois Pinault, the French billionaire businessman who owns Christie’s auction house, will showcase his art collection at the Beverly Hills branch of Christie’s during Frieze Los Angeles this month.
The exhibition, titled Eye Contact: An Invitation to the Pinault Collection, will display portraiture by eight prominent artists: Marlene Dumas, Llyn Foulkes, Thomas Houseago, William Pope L., Jim Shaw, Cindy Sherman, Luc Tuymans, and Lynette Yiadom-Boakye.
A Diverse Collection on Display
According to Christie’s, the collection will feature a range of works—but nothing will be for sale. Houseago will showcase his outdoor sculptures on Christie’s second-floor terrace. There, he will work closely with the curatorial team of the Pinault Collection.
Initially scheduled to open last month, the show was delayed until February due to the devastating wildfires in and around Los Angeles.
A History of Non-Selling Exhibitions
Christie’s recently appointed CEO, Bonnie Brennan, highlighted the significance of Eye Contact. She said the exhibition is part of a series of non-selling shows the auction house has hosted in Los Angeles. These include a 2023 exhibition in partnership with the nonprofit Desert X and a 2024 display of Warhol film stills courtesy of the Andy Warhol Museum in Pittsburgh.
Selections from the Pinault Collection regularly appear at three museums operated by Pinault: Palazzo Grassi and Punta della Dogana in Venice and the Bourse de Commerce in Paris. The collection also travels to other institutions worldwide.
New and Rare Works
Some works at the Los Angeles exhibition have rarely been seen before. For example, paintings by Tuymans and Dumas will make their U.S. debut. Other pieces have never been shown publicly, including a portrait of Pinault by Los Angeles artist Jim Shaw.
According to Brennan, Christie’s Beverly Hills location is the second-largest gallery in the Americas. The venue has beautiful exhibition space on both the first-floor galleries and the second-floor terrace. The largest gallery is at Christie’s headquarters in Rockefeller Center, New York.
Christie’s Response to Wildfires
The wildfires that swept through the Los Angeles region in recent weeks caused widespread destruction, burning thousands of acres of land and forcing tens of thousands of residents to evacuate. As of early February, the wildfires had burned more than 10,000 acres, threatening both homes and critical infrastructure. Most disturbing, the fires also led to a tragic loss of life and caused significant damage to wildlife habitats.
In response to the unprecedented natural disaster, Christie’s has donated to the California Community Foundation Wildfire Recovery Fund. They have also given to the Los Angeles Food Bank and the Getty’s L.A. Arts Community Fire Relief Fund.
“Our hearts have broken for everyone affected by the devastation caused by the recent wildfires,” Brennan acknowledged. “We are proud to have a home in Los Angeles and will continue to stand in solidarity with our friends, family, and colleagues in this great city as we rebuild together.”
Exhibition Dates
Eye Contact: An Invitation to the Pinault Collection will be on display at Christie’s Los Angeles from Wednesday, February 12, through Friday, April 4.
About Francois Pinault
Francois Pinault is a renowned French billionaire businessman, art collector, and philanthropist. He is the founder and majority shareholder of Kering, a global luxury goods company known for brands such as Gucci, Saint Laurent, and Balenciaga. Pinault also owns the prestigious Christie’s auction house, further cementing his influence in the world of fine art. Through his collection, he supports contemporary artists and has curated exhibitions at some of the world’s most renowned cultural institutions, including the Palazzo Grassi and Punta della Dogana in Venice and the Bourse de Commerce in Paris. Pinault’s extensive and influential collection is a reflection of his deep commitment to art, culture, and the global arts community.
