Live From New York It's Saturday Night Print
Panic gripped the art world this morning as Christie's announced an unprecedented print release: "Live From New York, It's Saturday Night!"—a collection of limited-edition screen prints celebrating Saturday Night Live's iconic history.
This marks the first officially sanctioned print series dedicated exclusively to SNL, featuring works by contemporary artists interpreting landmark sketches and moments. The sale, exclusively online, is expected to trigger a frenzied rush from collectors and fans alike.
The Prints: A Snapshot of Comedy History
The collection comprises ten unique screen prints, each interpreting a different iconic SNL sketch or recurring character. Artists were hand-picked for their distinctive styles, offering a diverse range of visual interpretations.
Confirmed artists include Shepard Fairey (known for his "Hope" poster), KAWS, Cecily Brown, Yoshitomo Nara, Raymond Pettibon, Marcel Dzama, Ed Ruscha, Barbara Kruger, Julie Mehretu and Jeff Koons.
Each artist was assigned a specific SNL moment. For example, Shepard Fairey tackled "Landshark" while KAWS interpreted "The Coneheads."
Specific Prints and Sketches
Cecily Brown’s print visualizes the chaos of "More Cowbell," a sketch universally lauded for its absurdity. Yoshitomo Nara, known for his child-like figures, depicts the innocence of "Mr. Bill," a claymation favorite.
The raw, gritty energy of "Weekend Update" is captured by Raymond Pettibon. Marcel Dzama channels the surreal nature of "Deep Thoughts by Jack Handey" into his distinctive style.
Ed Ruscha tackles the dry wit of "Matt Foley, Motivational Speaker." Barbara Kruger's text-based art takes on the political satire of "Presidential Debates."
Julie Mehretu captures the frenetic energy of "The Blues Brothers." Finally, Jeff Koons transforms "Wayne's World" into a high-art spectacle.
The Sale: Details and Logistics
The online auction begins promptly at 10:00 AM EST on Monday, October 28th. Bidding will be conducted exclusively through Christie's website.
Each print is a limited edition of 115, numbered and signed by the respective artist. Prices are expected to range from $20,000 to $70,000, depending on the artist and subject matter.
Christie's warns of high website traffic and advises prospective bidders to register in advance. A digital catalog with detailed information about each print is now available on their website.
Authentication and Provenance
Each print will come with a certificate of authenticity issued by Christie's. This certificate guarantees the print's origin and edition number.
Furthermore, a portion of the proceeds will benefit the SNL Alumni Association, supporting emerging comedic talent. This charitable component adds another layer of appeal for collectors.
Experts are already predicting record-breaking sales for this unique collection. The combination of iconic subject matter, renowned artists, and limited availability creates a perfect storm for a heated auction.
Immediate Implications and Future Developments
Art market analysts are closely watching this sale for indicators about the intersection of pop culture and fine art. The success of this auction could pave the way for similar collaborations in the future.
Christie's confirms that they are already in discussions with other iconic television shows for potential print series. No further details are available at this time.
Potential buyers are urged to conduct thorough research on the artists and the specific SNL sketches before bidding. The auction closes at 5:00 PM EST on Friday, November 1st. Don't miss your chance to own a piece of comedy history.
