Sharkey’s paintings up for auction with no reserve price

HIS fans include Sex and the City star Sarah Jessica Parker and supermodel Kate Moss.

Now the artist billed as Ireland’s first art superstar is offering his own studio collection for sale at rock-bottom prices.

Contemporary artist, Kevin Sharkey, whose most expensive painting sold for €26,100, is putting 125 paintings spanning 15 years under the hammer in Cork tomorrow with no reserve price.

“As an artist, you’ve no need for a painting once it’s painted,” Sharkey said from his Ibiza studio.

“And I can’t stand looking at unsold paintings. It’s like looking at yesterday’s dinner.

“This is a new style of auction that opens up the art world to more people.

“It takes away the snobbery that can sometimes exist in a gallery setting.

“I’d much prefer that the paintings get out there. I’m happy if a painting finds a happy home.”

The auction is being organised by Skibbereen- based auctioneer, Morgan O’Driscoll, who mounted a hugely successful “no reserve” auction for Heir Island-based artist Ian Humphreys last month.

Sharkey heard about it and approached Mr O’Driscoll to do something similar.

“In the midst of this recession, Morgan is a shining light,” Sharkey said. “His approach appeals to me. He’s not sticking his head in the sand — he’s thinking outside the box and that’s very exciting.”

Mr O’Driscoll said: “If people bid €10 for a piece worth €600, and nobody else is bidding for it, then I’ll have to let it go at that price.”

The paintings, which range from a modest 30cm x 30cm (1ft x 1ft) to the corporate-sized 240cm x 240cm (8ft x 8ft), would normally sell for anything between €600 and €12,000. Some of the estimates for the auction start at €600.

Sunday’s auction takes place at CIT’s Wandesford Quay Gallery in Cork. Viewing takes today from 11am to 6pm, and tomorrow from 11am to 4pm. The auction begins at 4pm.

- www.morganodriscoll.com