Our exclusive contacts at Sotheby’s Maison hinted weeks ago at an undeniably surprising and curious exhibition at their elegant Hong Kong address. When the curtains parted, the collective gasp was audible. Sotheby’s has unveiled its latest exhibit, Eros/Thanatos—Gesamtkunstwerk II, running from 13 to 26 September.
A remarkable showcase offering an immersive exploration of the dualities of human experience, Eros/Thanatos delves into the intricate dance between desire (Eros) and death (Thanatos) through diverse artistic mediums. A sequel to the recent success of Corpus—Three Millennia of the Human Body, which captivated audiences, this exhibition positions Sotheby’s Maison as the talk of the town, an epicentre of cultural engagement in the region.
Curated to ignite the imagination—some exhibits more provocative than others—Eros/Thanatos presents a meticulous selection of works spanning centuries and styles. Iconic artists such as Francis Bacon, Salvador Dalí, Jean-Michel Basquiat, and Jeff Koons are showcased alongside lesser-famed yet profoundly impactful figures. Eros/Thanatos invites visitors to journey through the depths of human emotion, illuminating themes of love, passion, transgression, and, ultimately, mortality. Here, art transcends mere aesthetic appreciation, becoming a vessel for profound reflection on life’s most complex questions as the pendulum swings high and wide, from the erogenous to the fatal.
Nicolas Chow, chairman of Sotheby’s Asia, articulates the ambition behind the exhibition: “Since opening our doors last year, our aim has been to stage exhibitions that ignite wonder and elevate the experience of all who visit.” His curatorial approach draws on the rich tapestry of mythology, psychoanalysis, and art history, suggesting that the exploration of Eros and Thanatos is not merely an artistic showpiece but a fundamental aspect of the human condition set to spotlight.
The exhibition’s premise is masterfully underscored by an eclectic mix of artworks. From Bacon’s unsettling Version No. 2 of Lying Figure with Hypodermic Syringe to the ethereal beauty of Dalí’s Rose Meditative, each piece resonates with the tensions of existence, a mortal coil unravelled under the aegis of the famed auction house. Visitors will encounter not only celebrated modern and contemporary works but also Old Master paintings, ancient sculptures, and rare manuscripts, creating a Gesamtkunstwerk—an all-encompassing artistic experience. The juxtaposition of contemporary pieces with historical artefacts highlights the timelessness of these themes, a running thread inviting contemplation on how the human experience has evolved yet remains constant.
A standout work is Yoshitomo Nara’s Can’t Wait ‘til the Night Comes, featuring a mischievous girl with an ambiguous, vampiric smile. One of Nara’s largest and most significant works, this canvas reflects the artist’s nocturnal inspirations while embodying the playful yet dark themes of desire and fear. The exhibition also includes Zao Wou-ki’s 12.02.2004—Vague rouge blanc bleu, a testament to the artist’s mastery of colour and form, created during a pivotal moment in his career.
The immersive experience is further enriched by a specially crafted soundtrack that complements the visual feast—a signature touch from Chow that we’ve come to appreciate. This auditory element transforms the exhibition space into a holistic environment, encouraging visitors to reflect deeply on the artworks. The resonance of music with visual art creates an emotional landscape that mirrors the complexities of Eros and Thanatos, amplifying the exhibition’s impact.
In addition to the main exhibition, Sotheby’s Maison is concurrently showcasing works from its upcoming Modern and Contemporary Art sales series, featuring luminaries such as Pablo Picasso and Roy Lichtenstein. These works will be on view from 22 to 28 September, just ahead of the highly anticipated Modern & Contemporary Evening and Day Auctions on 28 and 29 September. This strategic overlap enriches the visitor experience and underscores Sotheby’s commitment to fostering a dynamic dialogue between past and present artistic expressions.
Jasmine Prasetio, managing director of Southeast Asia and interim head of modern and contemporary art, remarks, “We invite everyone to experience art from a fresh perspective through the Eros/Thanatos exhibition.” Her words highlight the significance of the dialogues created through the juxtaposition of diverse works.
An open invitation to engage with the elemental questions that define our existence—a mélange of desire, death, and dreams spliced together—this season, Sotheby’s Maison beckons one and all to explore the sublime contradictions of love, life, and mortality, reminding us that art, at its finest, is a mirror reflecting the myriad facets of our shared humanity.
For more information, log on to sothebys.com/en/digital-catalogues/eros-thanatos.
All images courtesy of Sotheby’s Hong Kong.
