Artist Community Makes Bid to Save the Earth at Christie’s
NEW YORK, NY.- Art and nature are unique in their power to elevate the human spirit. It should be no surprise that many of the world’s leading artists are making ‘A Bid to Save the Earth,’ by contributing works to the Green Auction, which will be held at Christie’s New York on April 22nd, 2010.
In celebration of the 40th anniversary of Earth Day, Christie’s, the world’s leading art business, is convening an unprecedented group of major figures from the art, philanthropy, finance, fashion and entertainment worlds to advocate for the Earth, our one and only home.
“Science and art are the most powerful forces in the world for changing perception and behavior. It’s a game changer to have the world’s most significant artists coming together in support of these leading environmental NGO’s,” said Susan Cohn Rockefeller. “This is the kind of collective action that will help us meet the tremendous challenges our Earth faces.”
Maya Lin, "In the Land of Milk and Honey", 2007. Cardboard and adhesive, 10 x 7 3/4 x 5 inches
This global initiative benefits four highly respected and effective environmental not for-profits: Oceana, Central Park Conservancy, Natural Resources Defense Council and Conservation International. Christie’s will waive all fees and commissions, so that the entirety of the proceeds raised can be used to advocate for the environment by these four leading organizations. The four groups have earned a top four-star rating by Charity Navigator, the not-for-profit rating agency.
The four NGO’s benefiting from the auction operate around the world, advocating on all seven continents. This international reach is mirrored by the origins of the artists contributing works to the auction, including Denmark’s Olafur Eliasson, Turner Prize winning British artists Damien Hirst and Keith Tyson, China’s Zeng Fanzhi and India’s Subodh Gupta. Regardless of their geographic home, the artists involved in the Green Auction are some of the most significant working today. Their involvement highlights the scale of the environmental challenge facing the planet and the commitment of so many ready to meet that challenge.
Many of the artists contributing works draw inspiration from the beauty and fragility of the natural world, from the lush landscapes of Wolf Khan to the intricate marine-inspired designs of Michele Oka Doner and the work of earth artist Alan Sonfist. Maya Lin, perhaps best known for designing the Vietnam War memorial in Washington, DC, is contributing In the Land of Milk and Honey, a sculpture in cardboard that challenges accepted notions of what constitutes a “natural” landscape. American artists George Condo and Jenny Holzer will also be donating works to help raise the awareness of this socially and culturally relevant global event.
Keith Tyson, winner of the 2002 Turner Award, is donating Cloud Choreography. “What I do – what any artist does – is transform materials to give them a voice,” said Keith Tyson. “Collectively these artworks will give voice to the disturbing transformations Earth is undergoing, and to the positive change we can effect when we work together.”
The Green Auction is hardly limited to artists typically associated with the natural world. From Dale Chihuly’s fanciful blown glass to the conceptual art of Joseph Kosuth to David LaChapelle’s hypercolored, irony-laden celebrity portraits, the breadth of styles on the auction block underscore the diverse strategies that will be needed to resolve the critical environmental challenges of our generation.
One-of-a-kind experiences, such as a falconry lesson with Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. or a culinary outing with Alice Waters, and high fashion items from Ermenegildo Zegna, Bulgari, Duncan Quinn and others, will also be available for auction.
The live auction will be available globally via Christie’s LIVE™, and conducted by acclaimed auctioneer Christopher Burge. The accompanying silent auction, powered by Charitybuzz.org, will also include important photographic works, paintings, and sculpture starting at very accessible price points. The Green Auction offers something for every art lover and enthusiast of nature.
