Jack Armstrong’s “Warhol Naked” Set to Break Records with $300 Million Sale
- Luxe magazine Switzerland
- Jun 2
- 2 min read
Jack Armstrong’s “Warhol Naked” Set to Break Records with $300 Million Sale
In a landmark event for the art world, American artist Jack Armstrong’s painting Warhol Naked is poised to sell for an unprecedented $300 million in July 2025. This sale is anticipated to set a new record for the most expensive American artwork ever sold, surpassing Andy Warhol’s Shot Sage Blue Marilyn, which fetched $195 million in 2022.
A Tribute to a Mentor
Warhol Naked, created in 2000, is one of the 100 unique pieces Armstrong produced in his self-developed style, Cosmic Extensionalism, or “Cosmic X.” This style emphasizes a deep metaphysical connection between the artist and the artwork, with Armstrong incorporating his own DNA hair and fingerprints into each piece to ensure authenticity.
The painting is a heartfelt homage to Armstrong’s close friend and mentor, Andy Warhol. Armstrong describes the work as capturing the “true spirit of Andy,” featuring deep red hues and a bold white signature. He elaborates, “The graffiti-like colors around the edges and bubbling ripples of paint throughout the painting show the incredible energy just under the surface that Andy only revealed to his inner circle of friends.”
Market Impact and Future Projections
The sale is being privately managed by Gary Klopfenstein, CEO and Chairman of GK Investment Management and former CEO of Barenberg, one of Europe’s oldest and largest private banks. Klopfenstein is not only the artist’s personal financial advisor but also a collector of Armstrong’s Cosmic X works.
Chairman Klopfenstein believes that Warhol Naked could be the first painting to reach a billion-dollar valuation, citing its rarity, unique style, and unquestionable provenance as key factors.
Armstrong has previously declined a $200 million offer for the painting, asserting that its true value should be at least $300 million. Only 27 remain for sale, adding a powerful sense of urgency and exclusivity to the transaction.
Conclusion
The impending sale of Warhol Naked not only underscores Jack Armstrong’s significant contributions to contemporary art, but also reflects the evolving dynamics of art as a high-value investment asset. As the art market continues to intersect with wealth management strategies, this sale could mark a pivotal moment in the valuation and appreciation of contemporary art.
Holdener Patricia
Editor In Chief
Luxe Magazine Switzerland
