Works by blue-chip modern artists like de Kooning, Rauschenberg and Stella increased in value 10- or 20-fold.
Sotheby's has put together an outstanding group of works, especially strong in 1950's and 60's blue-chip artists from celebrated collections.
At the high end, works by blue-chip artists can exceed $500,000.
"These are really the blue-chip artists of tomorrow."
Many felt the offerings were more predictable than in past years, making the fair a venue for acquiring blue-chip artists rather than discovering new talent.
Gallery owners working with highly productive blue-chip artists or with a modern master's estate, can make more than $1 million.
In a 2011 interview, Pam Paulson stated: "We plan projects with emerging, mid-career, and blue-chip artists.
It was an evening dominated by blue-chip artists, the ones whose work has been particularly popular among super-rich hedge fund managers.
In other words, even a blue-chip artist can profit from being kept behind glass.
Among the top sellers last night were paintings and sculptures by blue-chip artists who have consistently commanded higher and higher prices each season.
