In Lot 36: Fiction on Auction, the site of the auction was used to stage a fiction where the right to appear as a character in the novel Headless by K.D. was offered to the highest bidder. The name of the successful bidder as registered for the auction formed the name or identity of a character subsequently appearing in the novel.

Fiction on Auction was realized at Christie’s Post-War and Contemporary Sale in London on 25 March 2010. The work was commissioned within the series ”Offer & Exchange” produced by Electra, London. Curators Lisa Rosendahl & Daniel McClean.

Further reading:

• Hamilton Faris, Jaimey. ”Headless information”, Uncommon Goods, Intellect Books, 2013
• Morisset, Vanessa. “Participation for sale!”, Esse, No 73, Autumn 2011
• Christie’s pre-sale video featuring Sarah Thornton: