This summer, Sotheby’s is gearing up for a monumental auction featuring works from the esteemed collection of Tamotsu Yagi, the visionary art director whose groundbreaking contributions reshaped the landscape of fashion and design. The auction, titled “No Detail is Small: Art and Design from The Tamotsu Yagi Collection,” is slated to take place live at Sotheby’s New York on June 5, showcasing a captivating array of artworks and design lots that reflect Yagi’s profound influence and innovative spirit.
At the forefront of the auction stands Cy Twombly’s illustrious 1962 canvas, “Death of Giuliano de Medici,” poised to command attention with an estimated value in the realm of $1 million. This masterpiece serves as a testament to Yagi’s discerning eye for artistry and his penchant for curating pieces of exceptional calibre.
The collection encompasses a diverse range of artistic expressions, including three prints by Twombly, 28 design lots by renowned French midcentury luminaries such as Jean Prouvé and Charlotte Perriand, and eight pieces of contemporary art featuring works by Richard Long, On Kawara, and George Rickey. Each piece encapsulates Yagi’s distinct vision and his unwavering commitment to pushing the boundaries of art and design.
Yagi’s illustrious career trajectory took flight in 1984 when he was personally recruited by Esprit co-founder Douglas Tompkins. At Esprit, Yagi played a pivotal role in crafting the brand’s iconic “graphic look” of the mid-1980s, solidifying its reputation as a trailblazer in the world of fashion. His creative genius extended beyond the realm of apparel, as he forged a close friendship with Apple founder Steve Jobs, collaborating on design projects that would leave an indelible mark on the global stage.
In 2000, Yagi’s collaboration with Jobs culminated in the conceptualization of the design aesthetic that would come to define Apple’s revolutionary retail stores worldwide, underscoring his unparalleled knack for seamlessly blending art and technology.
Yagi’s extraordinary contributions to the realms of graphic and industrial design have garnered widespread acclaim, with his works finding a permanent place in prestigious institutions such as SFMOMA. Recently, a portion of his collection was showcased at the Museum of Contemporary Art Tokyo in 2022, further cementing his status as a luminary in the world of art and design.
Currently serving as the Art Director for the World Expo 2025 in Osaka, Japan, Yagi continues to push the boundaries of creativity and innovation, leaving an indelible legacy that resonates across continents.
The upcoming auction at Sotheby’s promises to be a celebration of Yagi’s unparalleled legacy, offering collectors and enthusiasts alike a rare opportunity to acquire pieces that embody his visionary spirit and profound artistic sensibilities. As the world eagerly awaits this momentous event, the auction stands as a testament to Yagi’s enduring impact on the worlds of art, design, and beyond.