Spotted

This is a lot in the (Auction) Red sale at Sotheby's next month. It's also the fusion of what may be the two greatest self-promoters among artists working today in single work of art. Banksy, the graffitist who has marketed his way to becoming what one Sotheby's specialist has referred to as "the quickest-growing artist anyone has ever seen of all time" by feigning not to market himself (at least not by traditional standards), and Damien Hirst, the man who made, marketed, and reportedly bought a stake in his own $100 million diamond-encrusted skull.

Watch out for Figure Painting's take on the pre-sale exhibition at Larry Gagosian's 21st Street space, which opens on February 4th, and coverage of the Valentine's Day auction, the proceeds of which go to The Global Fund's fight against HIV and AIDS in Africa.

Banksy Defaces Hirst, Keep It Spotless, 2007, Estimate: $250,000 - $300,000, Photo Credit: Sotheby's