In a twist that combines art and entertainment, the latest episode of the TV series “And Just Like That…” has spotlighted a scene featuring Charlotte York peddling a painting by contemporary artist Alex Israel. Known for his distinctive airbrushed images and fascination with California’s skies, Israel’s work has captured the attention of both art enthusiasts and the market.
The recently premiered episode, aired on Thursday, showcases Charlotte York returning to the world of art dealing after a lengthy hiatus devoted to building a home. Positioned within the fictional Kasabian Gallery, Charlotte is surrounded by Israel’s artwork as she engages with the pop sensation Sam Smith, playing themselves in the show. Charlotte introduces an Israel self-portrait to Smith, highlighting its “Pop sensibility” and the artist’s use of identity within his creations.
“I really like it,” Smith exclaims, leading to Charlotte’s enthusiastic response and a successful sale at $100,000. This sale mirrors real-world pricing for Israel’s works, which have historically fetched around this figure. Notably, Israel’s art once commanded over $1 million at auction.
This marks another chapter in Charlotte’s journey as an art dealer, a role that has been woven into the fabric of her character since the original “Sex and the City.” Her association with art dealing has seen various intriguing instances over the years, from appraising a Ross Bleckner painting to engaging with power players in the art world and even participating in unconventional photoshoots.
Alex Israel, the artist at the center of this on-screen art sale, took to Instagram to share the scene from the episode. He tagged art collector Candace Carmel Barasch, who owns an Israel self-portrait that was created by prop makers at Warner Bros. The New York Times once questioned whether her artwork was a prop or a genuine piece of art. Barasch’s connection to Israel is also known through a unique artwork he crafted based on McLovin’s ID from the movie “Superbad.”
As the TV series intertwines the realms of art and celebrity, this portrayal of an art sale offers a glimpse into the dynamic and multifaceted nature of the art world. The intersection of pop culture and contemporary art continues to captivate audiences, showcasing the enduring allure of creative expression in various forms.
