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A Quest for Eternity: The Philippe Damas Collection

A Quest for Eternity: The Philippe Damas Collection

Sale Overview

Christie’s is honoured to present the enchanting collection of Philippe Damas, a testament to the profound and unwavering passion for the soul of Asia, particularly Vietnam and Southeast Asia. A seasoned figure in the financial world, Mr Damas has spent many years in Asia, where his travels have taken him far beyond the beaten path to immerse himself in the diverse and captivating cultures of the region. Each piece within this carefully curated collection tells an eloquent narrative, a reflection of Mr Damas’ refined taste and exceptional knowledge of the art and history of Southeast Asia.

As this year marks the 100th anniversary of the École des Beaux-Arts de l’Indochine, it is fitting to commemorate its teachers and students, namely Albert Cézard, Joseph Inguimberty, Victor Tardieu, Mai Trung Thu, Nguyen Gia Tri, Vu Cao Dam, amongst those who played pivotal roles in the development of modern Vietnamese art. From rare and traditional works to modern masterpieces, the collection encompasses a wide range of artistic expressions, each one for its unparallelled beauty and authenticity. This sale is a rare opportunity to acquire pieces that not only reflect the personal journey of a passionate collector, but also to catch a glimpse into the rich and diverse artistic heritage of Asia.

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Auction times
29 Mar 01:30 PM (HKT) Lots 101-151

Brought to you by

Dexter How (陶啟勇)

Dexter How (陶啟勇)

Vice President, Senior Specialist | Modern & Contemporary Art, Asia Pacific

Based in Singapore, Dexter How is Senior Specialist of the 20th and 21st Century Art Department at Christie’s Asia Pacific. With a career spanning over a decade in the auction industry, Dexter is known for his expertise in Southeast Asian art.

Beginning his journey at Sotheby’s in 2003, Dexter established himself as a specialist in Southeast Asian Paintings. After six successful years, he transitioned to Richard Koh Fine Art as Gallery Manager, where he curated exhibitions and sourced contemporary art pieces, further expanding his network within the art world.

In 2015, Dexter returned to the auction world, joining Christie’s. Over the course of eight years as Senior Specialist and Head of Sale for Southeast Asian Art, Dexter played a pivotal role in identifying and cultivating new markets for Southeast Asian Art through both auctions and private sales. His tenure at Christie’s was marked by significant achievements, including orchestrating white-glove auctions for multiple important collections sourced from the region and setting numerous artist records.

One of Dexter's notable accomplishments was spearheading the highly successful auction of the Dr Tuan Pham Collection in 2019. This private collection of 20th-century Vietnamese art, amassed over 25 years, is recognized as one of the most important single-owner private collections in its category ever to be presented at auction, achieving the highest sales for a Vietnamese single-owner collection.

In 2020, Dexter led the Jean-Marc Lefevre Collection of Vietnamese Art sale, further solidifying his reputation for excellence in the field.

With his wealth of experience and deep understanding of the art market in Asia Pacific, Dexter continues to be a driving force in shaping the landscape of 20th and 21st Century Art at Christie’s.

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