A spirited, digital collaboration
On June 19, Pharrell Williams and Sarah Andelman kicked off the bidding for “Just Phriends,” a cutting-edge art experience on the site of digital auction house JOOPITER, ongoing through June 27. Founded by Williams, the thoughtful platform fuses the brilliance of curators, collectors, and creators to champion emerging artists and offer unparalleled cultural artifacts and educational opportunities to the world. With the singular auction, singer, songwriter, and fashion designer Williams celebrates a longstanding friendship with Andelman, creator of the pioneering concept store Colette in Paris and founder of consulting firm Just an Idea. The two invite art lovers of all ages on a journey through the magical moments and fruitful mysteries of friendship with rare works of art, bespoke objects, and joyful, never-before-seen collaborations of high jewelry, furniture design, and avant-garde fashion.
Gabriela Noelle, “Imaginary Friends,” 2023; courtesy of the artist and JOOPITER.
A celebration and exhibition in Paris
During the buzz of Paris Men’s Fashion Week, international artists and cultural figureheads raised a toast at 8 Avenue Matignon, where a public presentation of the dynamic offerings will be on view until June 24. VIP guests such as Takashi Murakami, Salehe Bembury, Pedro Winter, Pusha T, Steven Victor, and Quavo came together to view spectacular creations and rejoice in the art of friendship. Major auction lots are skilled works of soulful collaboration: The Astro Mint Pendant by Tiffany & Co. x Pharrell Williams features the 18k gold and diamond astrological chart of Williams, with the winning bidder receiving a complimentary pendant representing their own high jewelry chart; Murakami and Williams’ “The Simple Things” is a juxtaposition of seven objects made of diverse materials such as wood, LED lights, gold, rubies, sapphires, and emeralds; and Winter’s “Initials PW” record collection includes 23 vinyl records by Williams, with a rare Daft Punk test pressing, housed within a colorfully collaged Rimowa case.
Pedro Winter, “Intitials PW,” 2023; courtesy of the artist and JOOPITER.
Gregor Hildebrandt, “Pharrell, Pharrell,” 2023; courtesy of the artist and JOOPITER.
Additional treasures on auction include sculptures and artworks by Daniel Arsham, Futura 2000, and INVADER, design works by Campana Brothers, PitterPatter, and Devon Turnbull, fashion and objects by Louis Vuitton x Virgil Abloh, Mira Mikati x Hublot, and MSCHF, and high jewelry by Eyefunny, Delna Delettrez, and Ragazzi (Ben Baller).
Takashi Murakami; photo by Sansho Scott/BFA, courtesy of JOOPITER.
A pop-up shop alongside live talks
The gift shop pop-up at the exhibition space debuts exclusive merchandise such as custom t-shirts by Murakami, Nadine Ghosn, and No More Rulers, and products from Palm Angels, Bunny Shapiro and Call It By Your Name. Live conversations throughout the week between artists like Jean-Charles de Castelbajac & JR, and Winter with Devon Ojas and Laurent Grasso will provide further insight into cherished friendships and the importance of sharing art and ideas.
Steven Victor and Pusha T; photo by Sansho Scott/BFA, courtesy of JOOPITER.
Salehe Bembury and Pedro Winter; photo by Sansho Scott/BFA, courtesy of JOOPITER.
