Works from the Collection of Michael Crichton

Many remember Michael Crichton as the best-selling author of scientific thrillers such as The Andromeda Strain and Jurassic Park, or perhaps as the screenwriter, film director and producer, renowned for creating the television series ER and many others.

Few, however, realize that Crichton is also acknowledged as a leading authority on the American artist Jasper Johns and as an important collector of 20th Century art.

Michael Ovitz met Crichton in the 70's and became his agent in the 80's, remaining so for the next 30 years.  Both men shared many interests beyond business, including collecting art, and shared a fascination with Jasper Johns and Johns' cohort of groundbreaking early pop-art artists.

In this May 2010 video, Christie’s Deputy Chairman of Post-War & Contemporary Art, Brett Gorvy, joins Sherri Crichton, Michael Ovitz and Ken Tyler in sharing a personal exploration of Crichton as a collector, as well as an analysis of Jasper Johns approach to art and contribution to art history.

The Michael Ovitz interview begins at approximately 6:30.

Click here to visit the Christie's page, Works from the Collection of Michael Crichton.  The video is available at a larger size on the page.