For 40-something years, Robert Berman has been hosting live art auctions. It’s his main focus these days after a successful career as a primary art dealer. He loves the element of surprise, like when, in 2015, a work by Raymond Pettibon, the cover for Sonic Youth’s 1990 album “Goo” that was estimated at $20,000-$30,000, sold for $180,000.
“That particular drawing, because it’s on the cover of his books and on albums, is probably worth double or triple what the buyer paid for it back then,” said Berman, who runs Santa Monica Auctions out of his gallery. “That’s the fun for the auction house, and it’s the fun for the collectors also.”
Robert Berman Gallery’s fall auction will be held on Oct. 18 at noon at Bergamot Station Arts Center. Live, online, absentee and phone bidding are all available. . . .
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