Painter Pierce Brosnan Plans 2019 Paris Exhibit, Inspired By $1.4 million amfAR Dylan Sale

Gisela Schober/Getty Images. Brosnan and his painting in Cannes.

Actor Pierce Brosnan says that he was 'gobsmacked' watching his original painting of Bob Dylan generate $1.4 million at the amfAR’s 25th annual Cinema Against AIDS event in Cannes. The painting purchased by Ukranian billionaire Marina Acton who is married to WhatsApp co-founder Brian Acton. 

Now Brosnan and wife Keely Shaye Smith are planning an exhibition of 20-30 of his paintings in Paris. “We love the city,” Brosnan tells 'THR'. “It’s the epicenter of the art world and has been for many years.” Smith agrees that “Paris is always a good idea,” with her devoted and adoring husband finishing her sentence. “It’s a bold one. It definitely takes some courage to do it, but I reckon if I can go out and sing in Mamma Mia!, I can go show a few paintings, have a few cocktails and give it a shot.” 

Art advisor Lisa Schiff of Schiff Fine Art and Annie Wharton of Annie Wharton Art Consulting have differing views on Brosnan's chances of being successful in Paris. PS, I love this painting, whatever its lack of perfection. Brosnan wasn't only selling his own talent and cult of personality but the historical significance of Bob Dylan. 

A secondary fact not mentioned in the discussion is Marina Acton herself as the generous amfAR patron behind the Brosman sale.  The couple bought Kim Kardashian and Kanye West's Bel-Air mansion last November for $17.8 million, a handsome profit for Kimye who purchased the home in 2013 for $9 million. 

Acton dreams of a singing career and sources report that: "In what seems like a genius business move on Kim’s part, sources close to the real estate deal tell us Acton has dreams of becoming a singer and is a big fan of Kim. When they bought Kimye’s home, we’re told they paid WAY over what the property was worth because of the Kardashian connection."

Apparently, the Actons never moved into the mansion and are now trying to flip it for the buy price. Kim Kardashian may have committed, as part of the real estate deal, to promote her new friend Marina now and in the future. 

Back to Pierce Brosnan, GQ's Drew Magary interviewed the actor for the May issue from his Austin, Texas location, where he was filming of the AMC drama 'The Son'. The feature includes an image of Brosnan and his art, including the Dylan painting. This no-nothing art critic loves his work!! ~ Anne