"Newly released documents from the House Oversight Committee shed further light on Jeffrey Epstein 's entanglements with the art world, revealing discussions about direct purchases from emerging artists and fresh comments about one of the most controversial paintings of the century. According to emails reviewed by Urgent Matter, Epstein and two longtime associates-Etienne Binant and Darren Indyke-exchanged messages in February 2017 about acquiring art directly from artists rather than through fairs or galleries."
"Binant pushed the point further, outlining a strategy to "have an impact on the ecosystem" by supporting artists early and in person. He argued that traveling to cities like Los Angeles or Berlin was essential because "those artists are not rich yet" and often lack mobility. "We would go directly to the source," he wrote, casting the effort as a kind of philanthropic intervention in emerging scenes."
House Oversight Committee documents show Jeffrey Epstein and two associates, Etienne Binant and Darren Indyke, exchanging emails in February 2017 about acquiring art directly from artists rather than through fairs or galleries. Binant said he hoped to "begin acquiring pieces," and Epstein replied that "going to artist studios [is] much more appropriate." Binant proposed supporting artists early to "have an impact on the ecosystem," traveling to Los Angeles or Berlin because "those artists are not rich yet" and often lack mobility. Five days later Indyke confirmed that $1 million was available via check or wire. Separate emails reference Salvator Mundi, the $450.3 million painting attributed to Leonardo da Vinci that vanished from public view after its 2017 sale.
Read at ARTnews.com
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