On 13 July, Phillips presented its New Now sale in London, which brought together more than 230 lots and included works by some of the most recognized names in contemporary art. The auction was led by Andy Warhol, Gerhard Richter, KAWS, Banksy, Kehinde Wiley, Lynn Chadwick, Alex Katz, Josh Smith, and Kudzanai-Violet Hwami. Additional highlights included works by younger stars such as Salman Toor, Erik Parker, Genieve Figgis, Jonas Wood, and Eddie Martinez.
A group of twelve works selected by Stella McCartney from her McCartney A to Z Manifesto formed a centerpiece of the sale. With contributions from artists including Joanna Vasconcelos, Sam Taylor-Johnson, and Cindy Sherman, proceeds supported charities chosen by each artist. Another first for Phillips in London was the offering of an NFT: Phytocene, a collaboration between musician Agoria, Oscar-winning sound designer Nicolas Becker, and biophysicist Nicolas Desprat.
Equally significant was the inclusion of six works donated by Serge Tiroche, founder of Africa First, with proceeds benefiting the Africa First Residency Program. Previously held in the Africa First collection, the works highlighted contemporary African voices such as Wonder Buhle Mbambo, Amani Lewis, Simphiwe Ndzube, Moffat Takadiwa, Igshaan Adams, and Emmanuel Taku. Drawing on traditions ranging from portraiture to craft and digital practices, these artists reflected the breadth of African contemporary art today.
The auction underscored Africa First’s mission not only to collect and lend works by established artists but also to foster the infrastructure for emerging talent from Africa and the diaspora. Through its residency program, Africa First provided studio space and international exposure, contributing to a wider movement of new museums, galleries, fairs, and arts initiatives dedicated to amplifying African creativity on the global stage.