Ellen DeGeneres & Portia de Rossi
Ellen DeGeneres and Portia de Rossi are one of the most iconic and influential couples in entertainment. Their story is marked by individual successes, overcoming challenges and a commitment to love, LGBTQ+ visibility and social causes.
Ellen DeGeneres, born January 26, 1958 in Metairie, Louisiana, has become an icon of comedy and television. Her charisma and lighthearted humor propelled her to success with her own talk show, "The Ellen DeGeneres Show." However, her breakthrough role as the first openly gay lead in the 1997 sitcom "Ellen" elevated her as a symbol of LGBTQ+ visibility.
Portia de Rossi, born January 31, 1973 in Horsham, Australia, has enjoyed a successful acting career with roles in television series such as 'Ally McBeal' and 'Arrested Development'. She has also shown an interest in art and design, while being an important voice in the fight for the rights of the LGBTQ+ community.
Ellen and Portia met in 2000 and began dating in 2004. They married on August 16, 2008, celebrating their love when a landmark ruling legalized same-sex marriage in California. Their relationship is a symbol of love and pride for the LGBTQ+ community, and they have participated in arts and social events to promote inclusivity.
Art collectors
Ellen DeGeneres and Portia de Rossi share a passion for art, demonstrated by their impressive collection of works. The couple have brought together a variety of artists and works that reflect their aesthetic and artistic interests. Here are some notable examples:
They have a work by Jean-Michel Basquiat, famous for his distinctive neo-expressionist style. Basquiat's bold paintings captured the attention of the art world.
The collection also includes works by Keith Haring, whose street art-inspired graffiti is iconic. His simple and vibrant images have left a deep mark on contemporary art.
Among the performers are pieces by Andy Warhol, whose iconic depictions of pop culture are unforgettable. His celebrity portraits and iconic works are key parts of their collection.
Works by Pablo Picasso, master of cubism, are also part of their collection. His artistic experiments left a lasting influence on the history of art.
The collection includes creations by Georgia O'Keeffe, an American artist known for her paintings of flowers and abstract landscapes, exploring nature in a unique way.
Roy Lichtenstein, figure of pop art, is represented with works characterized by Benday dots and elements from the comic strip.
Pieces by Louise Bourgeois, known for her provocative sculptures exploring femininity and family relationships, bring an emotional dimension to their collection.
This selection of artists and works illustrates the diversity and breadth of Ellen DeGeneres and Portia de Rossi's collection. The couple have brought together pieces of art that reflect their appreciation for creativity and artistic expression, while celebrating artists who have left a significant mark on contemporary art.
A publicized sale
Ellen DeGeneres has taken a significant step in the art world by offering a selection of works from her private collection at auction. She has sold works of art worth $10 million from her private collection. Known for her role as host of "The Ellen DeGeneres Show", she has built up an impressive collection of valuable works of art over the years. However, she decided to part with some of them, opting to auction them through various galleries.
Among the notable items that DeGeneres offers for sale are valuable sculptures of sheep as well as a work on paper by renowned artist Jean-Michel Basquiat. Additionally, a mobile sculpture created by Alexander Calder is also among the pieces for sale. These items are presented through the Sotheby's Gallery in the Hamptons, offering art lovers the opportunity to acquire these highly sought-after pieces.
In addition to her association with Sotheby's Gallery, DeGeneres is also reportedly selling a painting by Basquiat through Van de Weghe Fine Art Gallery. Art pieces include the sheep carvings, some of which are estimated at between $500,000 and $1,000,000. Impressively, these sculptures have already found new owners, as revealed by a person familiar with the situation.
Ellen DeGeneres and her wife, Portia de Rossi, have long been involved in the art world, both as collectors and sellers of artwork. De Rossi initiated this aspect of their business two years ago by creating reproductions based on the paintings she had acquired. Beyond their love for art, the couple is also known for their interest in real estate, often engaging in the buying and selling of homes.
Innovate in art
Portia de Rossi, recognized for her role in "Arrested Development", unveiled an innovative company called General Public, which aims to transform the traditional art market. This initiative stems from his collaboration with Fujifilm and their creation, Synograph, a cutting-edge technology.
General Public uses a unique process developed by de Rossi and Fujifilm to create three-dimensional replicas of artwork, bridging the gap between original paintings and prints. This innovation aims to empower artists by allowing them to directly distribute high-quality reproductions to a wider audience, thereby democratizing art and restoring value to creators. The company's motto, "Supporting Artists, Not Art," underscores this vision, although it only offers 5% of profits from each sale to artists.
De Rossi's 3D printing technology, dubbed Synograph, not only captures the visual elements of a painting, but also its tactile texture, aptly symbolizing the fusion of art and technology. This advancement aims to make exclusive works of art accessible to a wider audience who might not have the resources to engage with traditional galleries.
The company offers a diverse collection including prints by emerging and established artists, as well as reproductions of public domain works and anonymous portraits and still lifes from the 19th century. Some reproductions are presented in limited editions, while others are available on request. Prices range from around $500 to $3,000, with an average cost of $1,000.
Although the availability of this technology may dilute the uniqueness of the original artwork, de Rossi remains optimistic. She sees the Synograph as an improvement on traditional printing methods rather than a direct competitor to the originals. Its aim is to challenge the idea that rarity equals value in art. de Rossi's extensive personal interest in contemporary art, as well as his collaboration with his partner Ellen DeGeneres, underscore his commitment to redefining the art market.
The artists in their collection
Cy Twombly : Born in 1928 in Virginia, Cy Twombly was an American artist known for his abstract and expressive style. His works often combined elements of drawing, painting and writing, creating a unique aesthetic. Twombly has drawn on mythology, literature and philosophy to inspire her art, creating intriguing and emotional compositions that challenge traditional artistic conventions.
Jenny Saville : Born in 1970 in the United Kingdom, Jenny Saville is a contemporary painter known for her explorations of the human body and female identity. Her captivating canvases, characterized by striking body shapes and suggestive textures, challenge beauty and gender norms. Saville defies expectations by creating powerful images that incite reflection on the perception of self and others.
Christopher Wool : Born in 1955 in Chicago, Christopher Wool is an American artist associated with the neo-expressionist movement and contemporary art. He is known for his paintings that are both abstract and textual, using gesture painting techniques combined with elements of language. His provocative works defy artistic and linguistic conventions, exploring communication and meaning through bold compositions.
Joan Mitchell : Born in 1925 in Chicago, Joan Mitchell was an Abstract Expressionist artist who played a significant role in the postwar art scene. Her vibrant and colorful canvases reflect her emotions and her relationship with nature. She was renowned for her energetic body language and lyrical compositions that captured the essence of human experience and nature.
Wade Guyton : Born in 1972 in Alabama, Wade Guyton is a contemporary artist associated with digital art and conceptual art. He is particularly known for his works created using inkjet printers, exploring the tension between technology and manual artistic creation. His abstract compositions, often created by repeating digital patterns, question the nature of art, reproduction and authenticity.
Elizabeth Peyton : Born in 1965 in Connecticut, Elizabeth Peyton is a figurative artist famous for her intimate and emotional portraits. She creates works that often capture public figures, friends and cultural idols. Her paintings, executed with a delicate and detailed touch, explore human emotions and connections through the prism of portraiture.
Lucian Freud : Born in 1922 in Berlin, Lucian Freud was a major figurative painter of the 20th century. His portraits and nudes were renowned for their intense realism and exploration of the human condition. Freud often used bold brushstrokes to create paintings that unveiled the soul and psychological complexity of his subjects.
Anne Truitt : Born in 1921 in Ohio, Anne Truitt was a sculptor and minimalist artist known for her geometric and refined works. His sculptures, often made up of stacked monochromatic forms, evoke a subtle interplay between color, form and space. Truitt contributed significantly to the evolution of minimalist art and abstract sculpture.
Alexander Calder : Born in 1898 in Pennsylvania, Alexander Calder was a renowned sculptor and kinetic artist. He is famous for inventing the mobile, a suspended sculpture that moves with air currents. His work combines abstract shapes and geometric elements with natural movements, creating dynamic and engaging works.
Jean-Michel Basquiat : Born in 1960 in Brooklyn, New York, Jean-Michel Basquiat quickly rose to fame as an iconic artist in the underground art scene of the 80s. He became known for his expressive paintings and his enigmatic designs that merge urban art, pop culture and cryptic symbols. His bold and spontaneous style reflects his background as a street artist, and his works address themes such as race, politics and society. Sadly, Basquiat passed away prematurely in 1988, but his artistic legacy lives on as a provocative and influential voice in the contemporary art world.
Pablo Picasso : Born in 1881 in Spain, Pablo Picasso is one of the most famous and innovative artists of the 20th century. A pioneer of the cubist movement, he revolutionized art by questioning the traditional representation of reality. His prolific career spanned different artistic periods, including Blue, Pink, Cubism, and Surrealism. His varied creations, ranging from painting to sculpture and ceramics, have pushed the boundaries of artistic expression. Picasso left behind an immense artistic legacy that continues to influence generations of artists around the world.
Andy Warhol : Andy Warhol, born in 1928 in Pennsylvania, is an emblematic figure of the pop art artistic movement. His artistic philosophy was based on the celebration of popular culture and mass consumption. He is famous for his iconic works such as celebrity portraits and Campbell's soup cans. Warhol also explored the concepts of repetition and seriality, creating works of art that reflect the repetitive nature of modern society. His workshop, the Factory, has become a place of convergence for artists, musicians and influential personalities. Warhol transformed art into an accessible and popular experience, leaving a lasting impact on contemporary visual culture.
7 incongruous things to know
Artistic Journey : The couple traveled the world to discover and acquire unique works of art. Their collection reflects their eclectic tastes and travel experiences.
Eclectic Style : Their collection mixes different artistic styles, ranging from modern art to contemporary art, passing through more traditional works.
Commitment to Emerging Artists : Ellen and Portia are known to support emerging artists by purchasing their work. This helps support the emerging art scene and encourage new talent.
Private Exhibitions : The couple sometimes organize private exhibitions in their house to present their new acquisitions to a restricted circle of friends and artists.
LGBTQ+ Inspirations : Being an LGBTQ+ couple, Ellen and Portia have also shown interest in artwork that deals with themes related to sexual diversity and inclusion.
Engaged Art : Some of the works in their collection address important social and political issues, demonstrating their commitment to current issues.
Artistic Community Connections : Ellen DeGeneres is well known for her support of the artistic community, which can be reflected in the artists with whom she and Portia have close ties.
Quotes
Ellen DeGeneres:
- "Art is a beautiful way to connect people and express what words can't always convey."
- “Each work of art in our collection tells a unique story, and it is this diversity that makes our collection so special.”
Portia de Rossi:
- "Art has the power to make us feel deep emotions and open us to new perspectives."
- "We believe in supporting artists who dare to push boundaries and challenge the status quo."
Jean Dubreil