NEW YORK.- The sale of the selections of the single owner collection of contemporary art brought together by Swiss collector and dealer Pierre Huber totaled $16,786,400, exceeding the pre-sale estimate of $11 – 15 million. Formed over the past two decades, the collection is highly personal and offers a glimpse into the mind and soul of Huber, a relentless purist and uncompromising explorer intent on following a very individual path.

The works chosen for the sale Beyond – Selections from the Pierre Huber Collection, concentrate on several distinct directions in contemporary art including American minimalism, international photography, German painting and landmark installation work. The Huber works were exhibited throughout the Christie’s galleries as well as on the 20th floor of 1230 Avenue of the Americas where stunning creations such as Kader Attia’s Flying Rats and Ugo Rondinone’s Bonjour Tristesse both benefited from and contributed to the extravagant beauty of the space.

“With Beyond we showcased cutting edge works of art – many of them made by American artists – for the first time to the American public,” said Amy Cappellazzo, International Co-Head of Post-War and Contemporary Art at Christie’s. “It has been a joy to share a selection of Pierre’s thought-provoking collection with a large international audience. The results of the sale certainly endorse the extraordinary power of these works as well as Pierre Huber’s very unique and individual vision.”

“This auction was the culmination of months of intense team work between Pierre Huber and Christie’s,” said Jennifer Vorbach, International Director Post-War and Contemporary Art. “Every step of the process reflected Pierre’s input and the end result was a highly acclaimed exhibition here at Christie’s which rivaled many international art events. More than 2,000 people came to see the exhibition and the message quickly spread as seen by the results of the sale. We are thrilled.”

The sale realized 18 new world auction records and highlights included On Kawara’s The 90s ($1,944,000); Paul McCarthy’s seminal Bear and Rabbit on a Rock ($1,496,000); Mike Kelley’s Test Room ($1,104,000); Picabia’s Femme sur Fond Vert ($913,600); and Jim Shaw’s Donner Party ($656,000).