In the world of art collecting, some names are synonymous with extravagance and prestige. Ken Griffin, for instance, has made headlines for his extensive collection of Jean-Michel Basquiat works. However, another collector has been quietly amassing an impressive array of art, particularly Basquiat pieces. This collector is Patrick Dovigi, a former NHL player turned waste management billionaire.
Dovigi’s journey from the hockey rink to the boardroom is as intriguing as his art collection. As the founder and CEO of Green for Life Environmental (GFL), a waste management conglomerate worth $13 billion, Dovigi has built an empire that has drawn both admiration and controversy. His art collection, which includes more than a dozen major Basquiat paintings, is a testament to his eclectic tastes and substantial wealth.
The Unlikely Art Collector
Dovigi’s entry into the art world is relatively recent, beginning just five or six years ago. Unlike many collectors who make their purchases public, Dovigi prefers to keep his acquisitions private, often buying on the secondary market. His collection includes works by American masters such as Roy Lichtenstein, Ed Ruscha, and a significant focus on Jean-Michel Basquiat.
Basquiat’s work resonates deeply with Dovigi, who has a particular affinity for pieces involving crowns and self-portraits. He has been working with the London-based art advisory firm Colour Themes to source these paintings from private collectors. Philip Rebeiz, a co-founder of the gallery Hus and an adviser to David Beckham, now exclusively advises Dovigi on his art acquisitions.
A Controversial Business Empire
Dovigi’s waste management company, GFL, has faced its share of controversies. In 2026, an investment management firm recommended a short play against GFL, alleging connections to organized crime. The report claimed that Dovigi had obfuscated these connections, making the stock uninvestable to institutional shareholders. Dovigi vehemently denied these allegations, stating that he was disgusted by the attacks against himself and his leadership team.
The controversies did not end there. In 2026, Ottawa authorities began investigating suspected arson at a construction yard used by a company partially owned by GFL. This was followed by a series of shootings targeting Dovigi’s home and other GFL executives. The incidents were allegedly connected to a gun-for-hire network, with Ilan Philosophe, the founder of a rival company, being arrested and charged with discharging a firearm and conspiracy to commit an indictable offense.
Luxury Living and Artistic Pursuits
Despite the controversies, Dovigi’s luxury lifestyle continues unabated. He owns properties in Aspen, Miami, and New York, including a pair of condos on Park Avenue that overlook Central Park. His real estate portfolio also includes a $362 million yacht, Ahpo, which he renamed Lady Jorgia, and the world’s first hydrogen-powered pleasure craft, Breakthrough, purchased from Bill Gates for an estimated $650 million.
Dovigi’s art collection is not limited to Basquiat. He also owns works by Richard Prince, Andreas Gursky, George Condo, and Claude Monet. His passion for art is evident in the way he has integrated it into his luxurious properties, creating a harmonious blend of opulence and artistic expression.
In a rare public appearance, Dovigi loaned out works from his collection for a well-received show at the Louisiana Museum of Art in Denmark. The show, organized by Anders Kold, was inspired by a conversation with Rebeiz and his Colour Themes co-founder CJ Jones. Despite his growing prominence in the art world, Dovigi remains a private figure, often staying behind the scenes.
