Between check-ins on foursquare and posting selfies all over the internet, people now think the world revolves around them. But no one beats the narcissism of a Mr. Robbie Antonio. The 36-year-old real-estate developer has built a new house in Manila by renowned architect Rem Koolhaas. But that’s not what makes him an egomaniac. It’s the fact that his house will be filled with commissioned portraits of himself by world-class artists such as Damien Hirst, Julian Schnabel, David LaChapelle, Marilyn Minter, and David Salle. So far two dozen portraits are under way or completed, with a goal of thirty-five by the end of the year. Antonio has already spent nearly $3 million on the artwork, all of which will be housed in a special gallery inside his house, open only to invited guests. Of course the wealthy have used art to convey messages about oneself and one’s status since the beginning of time. The entire Renaissance period would not have existed without art patronage. But in today’s world few can claim the distinction of having their own house-museum. Is this the new future?
Mr. Robbie Antonio’s house-museum in Manila, Philippines
