Sotheby’s and Jeffrey Gibson have teamed up to make the art world feel held.
Ahead of a groundbreaking show at the Venice Biennale, Gibson has created 60 cashmere blankets to be sold by the auction house, the proceeds of which will support an opening event celebrating his forthcoming work for the U.S. Pavilion. Entitled I Feel Real When You Hold Me, each blanket features a bold, colorful diamond print along with the titular phrase written in the artist’s own curling script.
This “blanket edit” celebrates quite the feat: Gibson—who is of Cherokee descent and a member of the Mississippi Band of Choctaw Indians—is the first Indigenous artist to represent the U.S. with a solo exhibition at the Biennale, at the 60th anniversary of the event no less.
Sotheby’s and publisher Sharon Coplan Hurowitz partnered with both the Portland Art Museum and SITE Santa Fe to commission this edit and to raise funds toward a proper kickoff event. “Jeffrey’s visionary approach to art promises to ignite profound conversations and inspire audiences globally and this partnership reinforces our commitment to supporting the leading artists of our time on this momentous occasion,” noted Sotheby’s Chairman and Worldwide Head of Sales for Global Fine Art Brooke Lampley in a statement.
"Jeffrey took great care and consideration with designing the blanket," adds Hurowitz, "and added the special feature of a unique, hand painted cavas label that is signed and numbered in an edition of 60. The blanket is an incredible art object that can be used and enjoyed."
Gibson has always worked against the grain: with a practice that combines queer identity, American heritage, and Indigenous heritage, the multidisciplinary artist uses saturated color palettes and text to compose his visually-arresting work, a sensibility he will no doubt bring to Venice come April.
Before then, I Feel Real When You Hold Me presents an opportunity to not only raise money but also awareness. “Many North American collections contain objects that have been removed from their communities,” says Gibson. “The most important thing that people do when they are reunited with these objects is to hold them.”
Recently, The Met also announced plans to commission the artist for four sculptures to line the museum’s 5th Avenue facade in 2025. With this milestone, like the rest, the artist is sure to keep his Indigenous community at the forefront of his work. I Feel Real When You Hold Me offers collectors the chance to take part.
