DIGEST 67: Thank You The Can!
At Auction May 14-20, 2025
My gay guy group chat been overtaken by discussions of what I call “can-tivities” (activities sponsored by The Can—referring to a meme that noted “many of you would attend the opening of a can and if the can sent you free clothes you’d be like ‘Thank You The Can!’).” In point of fact, we are all devoted Can-nistas—all of us having sampled cocktails nominally inspired by a men’s fragrance or the New York offshoot of a Parisian nightclub, for example. We have, in fact, worked both sides of The Can, having ourselves distributed invitations for “activations,” “salons,” and “celebrations” with a straight face. (To be clear, cantivities as such require PR, free drinks, and an invitation designed by a graphic designer—they are not to be confused with parties or openings). There is of course an element of absurdity to cantivities, (what exactly is a “Valentino Listening Room”?—I’ll tell you on Thursday!) but they disclose the hidden matrices of brand equity and adjacency (which is to say, social capital) that make the industries of cool (and uncool) hum. They are pageants of bourgeois consumption masquerading as a gathering of friends (and occasionally, vice versa). But most importantly for the 3*/4*-year old gay guys of my group chat, they realize a certain Sex and the City fantasy of New York life (which is to say, corporatized nightlife) that I, for one, am genuinely thankful for!
This is say that as Can Week comes to an end and TEFAF/Sotheby’s/Christies/Frieze madness ebbs, I probably should have offered up better “reporting” to keep those canvitations rolling in. Maybe I’ll do highlights on the D-List, but in all likelihood I will talk about Andor, which is the only thing I actually care about right now.
Special shoutout this week to Venice Golden Lion Winner Andrea! I am very proud of you <3.
For my precious new subscribers: Landed cost (the final cost you pay) = the hammer price (the highest bid) + the premium (a set percentage added to the hammer price that the auction house takes) + shipping (you’re always on the hook for this) + sales tax
Also, now worth repeating: I don’t get a commission on any of these sales/am not involved in any way with these auctions. To the listings!
1. Carl Thieme Dresden, Porcelain Monkey
Poised above the realm of action, the monkey watches but does not judge. He bears witness to the great play of humanity—our cruelty and vanity, our love and generosity. Be as the monkey.
There’s a large collection of these at auction. This is a miniature. They’re all very cool.
Ken Price (American, 1935-2012), feels definitively West Coast to me. He managed to be a generation ahead of time with his ceramics, which are boldly colored and biomorphic without looking like shit (not true of his imitators). Very nice print!
These chairs are not super rare, but I like the sun bleaching.
My bank balance right now is, well, I guess you’d say it’s concerning. But if it weren’t . . .
lol. If this chair were on Fire Island some of you would def be asking if were coming to tea later etc.
In Germany, not cheap, from the 30s, absolutely fabulous.
I like the other Pesce table lamp I ran a few weeks ago. This one is new to me and cool.
I like the black lacquer, I like the upholstery, I like the tassels. Someone?
10. Life Size Cast Bronze Horse
I really fucking would at this point. I have nothing left to lose! A dangerous position for a chica like me!
May the hammer fall ever in your favor!