Johnny Depp auctioning art collection amidst divorce

Los Angeles: Hollywood star Johnny Depp is auctioning off millions of dollars worth of paintings ahead of his potentially pricey divorce with Amber Heard.

The 53-year-old "Alice Through the Looking Glass" star is set to unload his collection of paintings by famed artist Jean-Michel Basquiat, according to a press release by Christie's auction house, reported People magazine.

He will sell nine paintings in total, which he collected over the past 25 years. Most of the pieces were completed by Basquiat in 1981.

"Nothing can replace the warmth and immediacy of Basquiat's poetry, or the absolute questions and truths that he delivered," Depp said, according to Christie's.

"The beautiful and disturbing music of his paintings, the cacophony of his silence that attacks our senses, will live far beyond our breath."

Heard filed for divorce from Depp on May 23 citing irreconcilable differences. In the divorce petition, Heard, asked for spousal support from Depp.

The actor has an estimated net worth of up to USD 450 million, and the two reportedly did not have pre-nuptials.

Legal experts say Heard may indeed win spousal support, along with her share of the couple's joint earnings during the short 15-month duration of the marriage.