Markus Liehr / Sotheby’s Series / Open White Gallery

The SOTHEBY’S SERIES was created after a month long stay in Los Angeles and Las Vegas
-a place where the perception of time, space and value of money quickly becomes blurred.
When passing by a Sotheby’s window in Santa Monica, California, the artist was surprised to find that the 1744 auction house not only sells fine arts, but also a range of luxury goods and real estate around the world. Wine, cars, property and even islands with a private landing strip are offered to “experienced buyers only” – with price upon request.
The story of Las Vegas, the rise of the gambling industry in the desert of Nevada, is one of
organised crime. While hotels and casinos are suitably designed for visitors to have fun and forget the concept of time, something always seems off: Marmor facades that are made out of wood or cardboard, mirrors with a slimming effect, free drinks being served to casino guests once they take a seat in front of the gambling machine. Behind the decorative walls lies a dubious history.
Similarly, the structures of the fine arts market also leave room for criminal involvement when
transparency of cash flows is lacking.

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