The art dealer representing Hunter Biden said the president‘s son had the potential to be one of the most influential painters of the modern era, but declined to say whether he’d cooperate with a congressional investigation into sales of the art.
In an effusive Thursday statement to The Post, the Soho gallery owner declined to say if he would hand over documents and sit for questions as requested by House Oversight Committee Chairman James Comer (R-Ky.), but made sure to celebrate Hunter’s work for reflecting the ‘unrelenting divinity within each of us.’
Berges described Hunter, a 52-year-old recovering crack addict who earned millions in overseas business ventures that often involved his father, as a genius destined to become ‘one of the most consequential artists in this century.’
‘I represent Hunter Biden because I feel that not only his art merits my representation, but because his personal narrative, which gives birth to his art, is very much needed in the world,’ Berges said.
‘His is a story of perseverance; Hunter’s story reflects what I believe is the beauty of humanity, judged not by the fall, but by having the strength to rise up, by having the character required to change and the courage to do it.
‘Hunter Biden’s art reflects all of that and more. His art gives us hope; it reminds us that tomorrow brings a new day, a new beginning, a new possibility,’ Berges added.
‘Hunter Biden will become one of the most consequential artists in this century because the world needs his art now more than ever. In a world that beats us down, we need art in our lives that reminds of the unrelenting divinity within each of us.’
Berges told the media outlet that his legal representatives are the ones to contact about Comer’s requests because ‘my singular focus has always been, and will continue to be, the integrity of our artists and the privacy of our art collectors.’
‘Almost 10 years ago I opened a gallery that has a global perspective on the human experience and that seeks to find artists who I feel will be consequential not just in the art world but in the broader culture,’ Berges said Thursday.
‘Artists that are relevant to the times, not to esoteric circles where art and exhibitions come and go unnoticed by society, by the people, by culture, but relevant innovative artists and exhibitions that challenge us, and engage us.’
Hunter has asked as much as $500,000 for his beginner works. He earned at least $375,000 in 2021 for five prints at a Hollywood art show attended by his father’s embattled nominee to be ambassador to India, then-Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti. It’s unclear how many additional sales he may have made.
Republicans are investigating Hunter Biden’s art sales as part of wide-ranging inquiries into his business dealings and bank records.
Rep. James Comer questioned whether Hunter Biden was peddling influence to foreign adversaries by using high-value art to evade U.S. sanctions, with prices on his work initially listed at up to $500,000 and now ranging from $55,000 to $225,000 apiece.
The House Oversight and Accountability Committee wants to know who bought the art and how much they paid, after list prices initially ranged up to $500,000.
The chairman called the figures ‘exorbitant’ for a ‘novice artist’ and questioned whether it amounted to influence peddling over federal policy.
