Sotheby’s Welcomes Karl‑Anthony Towns and Jordyn Woods as Guest Curators
Sotheby’s celebrated the partnership of NBA star Karl‑Anthony Towns and model‑entrepreneur Jordyn Woods by hosting a dinner and preview of their curated selection for the Contemporary Curated auction. The couple chose ten pieces from iconic artists, reflecting their shared love of art and personal…
By Felo News Desk · Published
In a glittering evening at Sotheby’s Breuer, the auction house welcomed a unique duo of guest curators: New York Knicks center Karl‑Anthony Towns and model‑entrepreneur Jordyn Woods. The couple, who recently tied the knot, gathered with art collectors, celebrities, and fellow Knicks players to preview the ten works they have hand‑selected for the upcoming Contemporary Curated auction.
What Happened
During a private dinner, the pair showcased their curated list, which includes pieces by George Condo, Andy Warhol, Roy Lichtenstein, Helen Frankenthaler, Alma Thomas, John Chamberlain, and Rashid Johnson. The event, the largest in the series to date, was held against the backdrop of the ten chosen works. Attendees enjoyed a multi‑course meal featuring ravioli, New York strip steak, and roasted artichokes while the couple shared anecdotes about their artistic journeys.
Background and Context
Each year, Sotheby’s invites high‑profile guests from outside the traditional art world to curate a selection for its biannual Contemporary Curated auction. The program aims to broaden the collector base and make art more accessible. Towns, a six‑time NBA All‑Star, grew up on the East Coast where he was exposed to the works of Basquiat and Warhol. Woods, raised in Los Angeles and influenced by her multimedia artist brother Joshua, has long been fascinated by contemporary art and has built a personal collection that includes works by Rashid Johnson.
The couple’s collaboration reflects their complementary tastes. Woods did most of the research, but Towns’ busy NBA schedule—highlighted by the NBA Finals—meant they had to balance their commitments. They chose pieces that resonate with both of them and showcase their willingness to take artistic risks.
Key Connections and Personal Stories
One of the most memorable selections is George Condo’s “I Want My Brain Back” (2020). Condo was present at the couple’s wedding and later created a one‑of‑one trading card featuring Towns’ portrait for the sports memorabilia brand Topps. Towns also shares a friendship with Rashid Johnson, whose work was the first piece he added to his personal collection. The duo expressed excitement over Lichtenstein’s work, with Woods having studied the artist’s style extensively during her school years.
Charles Stewart, CEO of Sotheby’s, emphasized the importance of inviting guests like Towns and Woods. He noted that their enthusiasm helps demystify the art world for new collectors. “When you listen to Jordyn and Karl talk with such joy and interest about the work, I think that is really meaningful,” Stewart said.
What’s Next
The exhibition will open to the public on October 2 at the Breuer in New York. The live auction is scheduled for October 7. Attendees will have the opportunity to bid on the ten curated pieces, many of which carry personal significance for the couple. Sotheby’s has positioned the event as a celebration of love and art, with the CEO describing it as “a love story” that intertwines personal relationships with cultural appreciation.
While the auction is set for the fall, the story of Towns and Woods’ collaboration continues to generate buzz among both art enthusiasts and sports fans. Their partnership exemplifies how contemporary figures can bridge the worlds of sports, fashion, and fine art, encouraging a new generation of collectors to engage with the market.
Key facts
- Towns and Woods curate ten works for Sotheby’s auction
- Selection includes iconic artists like Warhol and Lichtenstein
- Event held at Breuer with a private dinner
- Auction opens Oct 2, live sale Oct 7
- Sotheby’s CEO emphasizes accessibility and new collector engagement
Why it matters
By bringing together a high‑profile athlete and a prominent model, Sotheby’s demonstrates how art can transcend traditional boundaries, attracting new collectors and fostering broader cultural engagement.
Frequently asked questions
When does the auction take place?
The public exhibition opens on October 2, and the live auction is scheduled for October 7.
Who curated the selection?
The pair, Karl‑Anthony Towns and Jordyn Woods, curated the ten works.
Where can I view the pieces?
The exhibition is held at the Breuer in New York.
Sources
- [1] vogue.com — originally reported as “A Love Story in Ten Works: Sotheby’s Celebrated Its Next Guest Curators, Karl-Anthony Towns and Jordyn Woods”
