Battling Siki, 2026
Oil on canvas
68 in. x 58 in. / 172.72 cm. x 147.32 cm.
Born in New Rochelle, New York, in 1964, Matt Dillon currently lives and works in New York City. Since initially gaining widespread recognition as an actor, Dillon’s multidisciplinary career spans writing, directing, acting and painting.
The subject and inspiration behind the work, Amadou Louis M’barick Fall, born in Senegal and known as Battling Siki, became the first African-born boxing world champion when he won 1922’s world light-heavyweight championship.
Along with this exceptional original artwork, the lucky winning bidder of this exclusive lot will enjoy an unforgettable, once-in-a-lifetime experience with Matt. You and up to two guests will be welcomed into Matt’s studio for a special visit, offering a rare glimpse into his creative world, artistic process, and the inspiration behind his work. The experience continues over an intimate lunch with Matt in Manhattan’s iconic Upper West Side, where you’ll have the opportunity to connect, share conversation, and gain personal insight into the artist behind the work.
Dillon’s recent solo and group exhibitions include “Seconda Horisonda, Asger Jorn and Others,” curated by Axel Heil at Ketterer Kunst in Cologne, Germany (2025); “Upside Down Zebra” at The Watermill Center in Water Mill, NY (2025); “Open Eyes” at A Hug from the Art World in New York, NY (2025); “Couch Paintings” at Canada in New York, NY (2025); “Harald Falckenberg on Memory,” curated by Axel Heil at 8 Salon in Hamburg, Gemany (2024); “Rascals and Saints” and “8 Rue Charlot” at Ruttkowski;68 in Paris, France (2024); “Naturama” at Thaler Originalgrafik Gallery in Leipzig, Germany (2023); “Fantomas” at 8 Salon in Hamburg, Germany (2023); “Takeover” at Galerie Melike Bilir in Hamburg, Germany (2022); “Paintings and Drawings” at Wiensowski & Harbord in Berlin, Germany (2021); “Expedition” at Brattleboro Museum & Art Center in Brattleboro, VT (2021); “Original Copy” at Alta Art Space in Malmö, Sweden (2019); “Keith Mayerson: Friends and Family” at Peter Mendenhall Gallery in Pasadena, CA (2019); and “Think in Pictures” at Amelchenko in New York, NY (2019).