Along with art, Mr. de Pury’s other great love is music. He is as “obsessed with hip hop” as he is with contemporary art. He listens to nearly every new release, and compiles “endless playlists” for his gigs as a DJ, most recently at Jimmy’z in Monte Carlo. Currently, he’s hooked on Drake’s new album. “It will be something different next week,” he says. “In a way, it’s always the next thing that will be the most interesting.”
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Auctioneer, art dealer, curator, photographer and dj, Simon de Pury is one of the leading figures in the art world. Renowned for his legendary performance on the auction podium, which have earned him the moniker “the Mick Jagger of auctions”, de Pury has auctioned and secured some of the most legendary art collections. Moreover, as an active charity auctioneer, it is estimated that de Pury has raised several billion dollars for a number of charities and cultural institutions over the course of his career. As a mentor and curator, de Pury has been instrumental in championing the careers of many contemporary artists, photographers and designers, and has been the subject of and featured in several documentaries and films, including BBC documentary ‘The Man with the Golden Gavel’ and more recently, Darren Star’s comedy-drama series, ‘Emily in Paris’. In 2021, de Pury launched de PURY Presents, a new exhibition series collaborating with international artists in their studios. In 2022, he introduced the innovative online platform de PURY, a dynamic community focused on discovery and art collecting. The platform thoughtfully curates various art forms, including architecture, photography, design, and more, shaping contemporary culture. In 2022, de PURY initiated online themed auctions, with its inaugural auction WOMEN – Art in Times of Chaos, followed by CREATE! – 21st Century Architecture & Design and FIRE! – Contemporary Glass & Ceramics in 2023. These online auctions on the de PURY platform ensure artists and galleries receive 100% of the Hammer Price and reap the greatest benefits of their work. The platform continues showcasing emerging and established artists through the de PURY Presents… series and online auctions, with works showcased online and available to purchase. Simon de Pury is the former chairman and chief auctioneer of Phillips de Pury & Company, former Europe chairman and chief auctioneer of Sotheby’s, and former curator of the Thyssen-Bornemisza Collection.