Jim Carrey, the renowned actor, artist, and art collector, is set to offer select pieces from his personal collection at Bonhams Los Angeles on July 25. This event, part of the Modern Design | Art sale, will provide a rare glimpse into Carrey’s eclectic and meticulously curated collection, which he has amassed over nearly three decades.
Carrey, who gained fame in the 1990s with his energetic performances in blockbuster comedies like “Ace Ventura: Pet Detective,” “The Mask,” and “Dumb and Dumber,” has also demonstrated his versatility in more dramatic roles such as “The Truman Show” and “Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind.” Throughout his career, Carrey has been an avid art collector and creator, a passion that will be showcased in this upcoming auction.
In a statement, Carrey expressed his gratitude for the opportunity to share his collection with others: “It’s been my excellent fortune to be surrounded by many of the finer things in life, and I’m always gratified when it’s time to let them go so that others may enjoy them as well.”
The Bonhams auction will feature a variety of standout pieces from Carrey’s collection. Highlights include a Cumulus Table in marble (2010) by Joris Laarman, estimated at $60,000-80,000; a 1971 armchair made of brass and steel designed by Philippe Hiquily, estimated at $20,000-30,000; and a mahogany and gilt bronze Maison Leleu’s Executive Desk from 1965, estimated at $8,000-12,000. One particularly rare item is a hand-woven hummingbird rug with silk and metallic wool thread designed by Alexander McQueen, estimated at $15,000-20,000.
The auction will also feature notable artworks, including a lithograph of one of David Hockney’s iconic pools, estimated at $30,000-40,000; a painting by Kenny Scharf titled “Ice Mont” from 2014, estimated at $10,000-20,000; and a series of eight printed plates by Robert Rauschenberg, estimated at $8,000-10,000. Additionally, several photographs reflecting Carrey’s musical tastes, including iconic images of The Beatles, Bob Dylan, and Jimi Hendrix by photographers like Danny Lyon, Gered Mankowitz, and Astrid Kirchherr, will be available.
Carrey’s collection is not only a testament to his refined taste but also to his deep appreciation for art and design. The pieces selected for the auction draw influence from nature’s forms, such as the lily pad coffee table by Paula Swinnen and the cloud-form coffee table by Joris Laarman. These items, along with others in the collection, highlight Carrey’s vibrant and creative spirit.
While Carrey’s own artwork will not be included in the auction, his contributions to the art world are noteworthy. Carrey has been drawing and painting since a young age but only began sharing his pieces in the 2010s. His artistic practice later evolved into cartoon-like political drawings, which he first shared on Twitter (now X) in 2016. These drawings, characterized by their innate sarcasm and targeted political satire, have garnered attention and praise from art critics.
In 2022, Carrey ventured into the world of NFTs with his first experiment, “Sunshowers,” which aimed to capture the “miraculous regenerative potential” of being bathed in sunlight. The NFT was auctioned on SuperRare to raise money for the food insecurity nonprofit Feeding America, selling for 62,040 ETH (around $191,800 at the time) from a starting price of just $1.
The upcoming auction at Bonhams Los Angeles is expected to attract significant interest from bidders, especially given Carrey’s celebrity status. Auctions of items owned by notable individuals often inspire enthusiasm and drive up the symbolic value of the lots. This phenomenon is evident in the relatively high estimate for the David Hockney lithograph, despite it being a print.
Carrey’s decision to part with these pieces reflects his desire to share the joy and beauty of his collection with others. As he stated, “I’m always gratified when it’s time to let them go so that others may enjoy them as well.” This sentiment underscores Carrey’s generous spirit and his commitment to making art accessible to a wider audience.
The Bonhams auction will undoubtedly be a significant event for art collectors and fans of Jim Carrey alike. It offers a unique opportunity to acquire pieces from a collection that has been carefully curated by one of Hollywood’s most beloved and multifaceted talents. As the auction date approaches, anticipation is building, and the art world eagerly awaits the chance to own a piece of Jim Carrey’s artistic legacy.
Source: Bonhams, FilmMagic, SuperRare
