Sotheby's to Auction Rare Virgil Abloh Prints Supporting University Scholarships

Sotheby's has announced a collaboration with the Virgil Abloh Foundation for its Contemporary Discoveries online sale, featuring a distinctive quartet of screenprints created by the late designer in 2015. These works stem from his partnership with University of Wisconsin-Madison, where Abloh studied civil engineering before revolutionising fashion and contemporary culture.

The Off-Wisconsin project playfully reimagined Abloh's signature aesthetic for his alma mater, transforming the university's iconic Red Shirt into limited-edition artworks. The four red screenprints, marked with his characteristic typography, represent number four from an edition of just ten pieces. They went on display at Sotheby's New York premises within the Breuer building ahead of bidding commencing on 7 July, with estimates ranging between $7,000 and $10,000.

Abloh's trajectory from architectural training to creative director for Kanye West, then historic appointment as Louis Vuitton's menswear artistic director in 2018, reflected his extraordinary ability to dissolve boundaries between disciplines. His tenure at LVMH marked significant cultural milestones, while collaborations with artists including Takashi Murakami demonstrated his versatility across creative sectors.

Following his death in 2021 at 41, Shannon Abloh assumed leadership of the foundation bearing his name. The scholarship initiative continues her focus on educational access, building upon existing programmes supporting Black American undergraduates pursuing fashion careers and Black British students at London's Royal College of Art.

"Virgil believed education represented one of the most powerful platforms for expanding creative possibility," explains Athiththan Selvendran, chief creative officer at the Virgil Abloh Foundation. The upcoming University of Wisconsin-Madison fund will specifically aid students in design, textile engineering, art and music disciplines.

Market interest in Abloh's diverse output remains robust, spanning from $4,000 lithographs to his "WORLD LEADERS Ladder 1" sculpture achieving $405,000 at Christie's Paris. Print editions have commanded upwards of $25,000 previously, making this inaugural auction appearance particularly noteworthy for collectors seeking works untouched by previous market activity.

Simon Shaw, Sotheby's senior adviser, notes the global enthusiasm surrounding Abloh's creations: "His extraordinary body of work has huge fans around the world, who are typically keen to buy any works touched by his magic." The unique provenance and charitable dimension add particular significance to this sale.

These prints exemplify Abloh's approach to merging commercial and institutional contexts, transforming everyday objects into collectible art whilst maintaining accessibility. The Off-Wisconsin series demonstrates how his aesthetic language translated across scales, from runway to campus merchandise to fine art multiples.

Proceeds will directly support emerging talent from underrepresented backgrounds, addressing systemic barriers within creative industries. This aligns with Abloh's broader philosophy of democratising luxury and expanding cultural participation beyond traditional gatekeepers.

The sale coincides with growing institutional recognition of Abloh's contributions, as museums worldwide reassess his impact on contemporary visual culture. His legacy continues influencing how institutions approach collecting and exhibiting work that bridges fashion, design and fine art.

For collectors, this represents both investment opportunity and cultural stewardship—acquiring significant works whilst contributing to educational equity. The convergence of market dynamics with social impact reflects Abloh's enduring influence on how the art world considers its responsibilities beyond commercial transactions.