Tennis legends Venus Williams and Serena Williams, along with their sister Isha Price, are set to make a significant impact in the art world and beyond. The dynamic trio has consigned four never-before-seen works by renowned artist Ernie Barnes to be auctioned for charity. The auction, which will take place from July 24 to August 1 on Joopiter, a digital-first auction house founded by Pharrell Williams, aims to benefit the Yetunde Price Resource Center, an organization they established in honor of their late sister, Yetunde, who tragically fell victim to senseless violence in 2003.
The collection of consigned works holds tremendous artistic and historical value. It includes two captivating paintings, “Holding Court” (1986) and “Mentors” (2008), alongside two mesmerizing drawings, “Saxophone Study #1” (1993) and “Study for Brother to Brother” (1994). These artworks offer a rare glimpse into Ernie Barnes’ imaginative and vibrant world, envisioning harmony among diverse communities, backgrounds, and races.
Serena Williams, a passionate art collector, expressed her admiration for Ernie Barnes as an iconic Black artist whose vision transcends barriers. She hopes that the auction of these never-before-seen works will provide vital resources and support to those affected by violence in Compton and underserved communities across the nation.
Venus Williams, known for her active involvement in various charitable initiatives, previously collaborated with artist Adam Pendleton to raise funds for preserving the childhood home of legendary singer Nina Simone in North Carolina. The auction, hosted by Sotheby’s at Pace Gallery, featured art contributions from renowned artists like Stanley Whitney, Martin Puryear, Cecily Brown, Rashid Johnson, Ellen Gallagher, and Julie Mehretu. The proceeds from that event contributed to the designation of the home as a National Treasure.
Ernie Barnes, whose tantalizing canvases depict Black individuals experiencing moments of joy and leisure, has witnessed a resurgence of interest in his work in recent years. Exhibitions of his remarkable art were held at prominent venues, such as the California African American Museum in Los Angeles and the UTA Artist Space in Beverly Hills, further cementing his legacy as a culturally significant artist of the 20th century.
In 2022, Barnes made headlines when his iconic painting “Sugar Shack,” featured on a Marvin Gaye album cover and in the TV show “Good Times,” sold for an astounding $15.3 million at Christie’s. This record-breaking sale solidified his position as an influential and sought-after artist.
Joopiter’s head of global sales, Caitlin Donovan, praised Ernie Barnes for his dedication to social justice, racial equity, portrayal of women, and community. These values closely align with the mission of the Yetunde Price Resource Center, making the auction of Barnes’ works a powerful endeavor in supporting meaningful causes.
The upcoming auction promises to be a significant event in the art world, where the contributions of these iconic tennis legends will undoubtedly leave a lasting impact on communities in need. Art enthusiasts and philanthropists alike eagerly await the chance to bid on these extraordinary artworks, knowing that their contributions will be channeled towards creating positive change and leaving a lasting legacy for Ernie Barnes’ art and the causes he held dear.