MoMA Acquires Three-Year-Old Child’s Art, and Met Expands Construction Paper Collection

Jude E, “Circle Jewel” (2019), construction paper, jewels, 8.5 x 11 inches (all photos by the author for Hyperallergic)

The Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) has acquired a work of contemporary art titled “Circle Jewel” (2019) by Jude E. The work was purchased at auction for $257,000  through the assistance of the Contemporary Children’s Acquisition Fund and anonymous donors. At only three years old, Jude E’s works have been dominating the art market in recent months. “We’re so excited about this new acquisition,” said Glenn D. Lowry, The David Rockefeller Director at the MoMA. “Jude E’s work has been integral in shaping the contemporary art scene of late, and this piece will do wonders for our collection.” “Circle Jewel” will go on display in an exhibition of contemporary work this June. [via email announcement]

Salvador Dalí, “Car of the Future,” (1973) plastic basket, construction paper, jewels

April F., “Vroom Vroom” (2019), plastic basket, construction paper, jewels

The Metropolitan Museum of Art has received a gift of two works of construction paper basket car art from anonymous French art collectors. The works, “Vroom Vroom,” by child artist April F, and “Car of the Future,” a newly discovered work by Salvador Dalí, will be featured in an exhibition titled Basket Cars in August. “These works of basket car art make a groundbreaking addition to our collection here at the Met,” said Max Hollien, Director of the Met. “We’re so thankful to our anonymous donors for these excellent pieces.” [via email announcement]

Yayoi Kusama, “Blue Cat” (2019), sharpie on construction paper, jewels

Christie’s sale of Animal Art in London brought in a total of £10,789,980 (~$14,170,000) on April 1. The sale’s top lot, Yayoi Kusama’s “Blue Cat” (2019), sold for £969,000 (~$1,273,000), alongside a number of other works, many made by child artists.

Lucy, “Square Car” (2019), construction paper, 8.5 x 11 inches

Christie’s sale of Children’s Work in New York brought in a total of $45,678,000 on April 1. The sale’s top lot, Lucy’s “Square Car” (2019), sold for $4,567,000.

Sarah E., “Untitled” (2019), construction paper, 8.5 x 11 inches

Sotheby’s sale of Cut-Out Art on Paper in New York brought in a total of $110,007,019 on April 1. The sale’s top lot, Sarah E.’s “Untitled” (2019), sold for $23,000,000.