Music Superstar George Michael and his partner Kenny Goss are accepting invitations to the most prestigious art events in Europe in an effort to add more to their culturally provocative collection, currently valued at $200 million. While George is preparing for his current European Stadium tour, Kenny is attending private viewings with some of Britain's most cutting-edge artists.
"Our collection has no cultural or sexual boundaries," said Goss and Michael, "Our collection is almost autobiographical and each piece resonates with our life experience"
While in London, Michael and Goss took in private viewings with controversial artists Damien Hirst and Tracy Emin. Hirst's invitation included his latest work, the $100 million life-size 8,601 diamond encrusted platinum skull. Currently housed in a custom-made vault, Michael and Goss looked at the piece as a possible addition to their collection. They are currently one of the world's premiere collectors of Hirst's work, including his formaldehyde series piece Saint Sebastian, Exquisite Pain which depicts a black sheep in formaldehyde struck by arrows.
After looking at Emin's latest work, Goss and Emin jetted off to Venice on a private plane for the Venice Biennale where Emin is the featured artist for the British Pavilion. Goss and Michael own one of Emin's Blankets which portrays her own sexual experiences. Goss is also looking at innovative pieces, that can broaden their collection in Venice before heading to Art Basel. Goss has plans to meet with top artists in Basel to consider pieces for the Goss-Michael Collection
The purpose of Michael and Goss' art visits is the launch of the Goss-Michael Foundation, a non-profit organization dedicated to promoting and inspiring young artists. One facet of the Foundation will be the Goss-Michael Collection. The collection will make its debut at the site of the former Goss Gallery in late-June and the exhibits will rotate quarterly. Building on the foundation laid by notable Dallas art collectors, the new Goss-Michael Collection will further solidify Dallas' prominence in the modern art world.
