Her Secret Garden by Janet Taylor Pickett sold for $47,500 at Christie’s First Open | Post-War & Contemporary Art Online auction on July 9-21, 2021 in New York. First Open offers an eclectic range of 20th and 21st century art of both established names and cutting-edge or emerging artists. The auction is aimed at first-time buyers and established collectors alike, with estimates that range from $1,000 to $100,000.
With years of study at prestigious art institutions under her belt, Pickett certainly made for a great choice at auction. Her works transcend many mediums, including sculpture, painting and collage. Pickett’s art is inspired by her life as an African American woman. Her collages and paintings feature her signature vibrant color palette, as seen in the image on this month’s cover.
Influenced by the work of renowned French artist Henri Matisse, many of Pickett’s collages and works incorporate Matisse-inspired cut-out prints. In fact, in 2016-2017, the Montclair Art Museum in Montclair, N.J. featured an entire exhibition dedicated to Pickett’s Matisse series, which included 76 collages, as well as four handmade books and an installation.
Pickett’s fame, however, extends well beyond New Jersey. Vice President Kamala Harris counts herself as a fan and collector of Pickett’s works, displaying one of Pickett’s pieces in her Washington, D.C. office.
These days, Pickett spends her time in Pasadena, Calif. to be closer to her daughter who works in the film industry.