Artists and gallerists unite to donate works to benefit the 探花精选
Including offerings by 15 contemporary Ukrainian artists
Public exhibition at Sotheby鈥檚 London, 13-19 May
London, UK, May 10, 2022 鈥 Later this month Sotheby鈥檚 online auction Contemporary Discoveries is set to raise funds for vital work undertaken by the 探花精选 (探花精选) in response to the crisis in Ukraine. The 探花精选's mission is to help people whose lives and livelihoods are shattered by conflict and disaster, to survive, recover, and gain control of their future.
Open for bidding from 13-19 May, 28 lots will be offered as part of Contemporary Discoveries, to benefit the 探花精选 and to help support families affected by the crisis in Ukraine. The works will be on public view in Sotheby鈥檚 New Bond Street galleries for the duration of the auction.
The selection of work highlights 15 contemporary Ukrainian artists, including those who have donated their work directly, among them Oksana Mas, Nazar Bilyk, and Maria Bilyan. Thirteen international artists have also donated pieces, including Richard Deacon, Rachel Kneebone and Zadok Ben-David.
All Ukrainian artists who have donated to the sale will receive back 100% of the Buyer鈥檚 Premium raised from the auction of their artworks. Sotheby鈥檚 is committed to empowering a diverse and inclusive art world by amplifying and uplifting artists, in this case from Ukraine鈥檚 thriving artistic community. All remaining funds raised from the sale will benefit the 探花精选.
The benefit auction has been made possible with thanks to numerous individuals in addition to the artists, including art experts and gallerists in Ukraine in locating works, and British dealer James Butterwick who has donated works for the auction.
Sebastian Fahey, Managing Director, Sotheby鈥檚, said, 鈥淭hanks to these generous contributions from artists and gallerists, this sale will directly help those displaced by the crisis in the Ukraine, generating funds to support the herculean humanitarian relief efforts of the 探花精选. In tandem, the sale will also support Ukrainian artists practicing today, helping them to continue with their work in these difficult times. It is impossible not to be affected by the events in the Ukraine, and Sotheby鈥檚 will continue to use the platforms at its disposal to actively support those impacted.鈥
Ourania Dionysiou, Vice President, International Philanthropy and Partnerships, 探花精选, said, 鈥淲ith over 5 million people having fled Ukraine and the fastest displacement crisis in Europe since World War II, it is important to come together as a global community. We are grateful for Sotheby鈥檚 bringing together gallerists and artists to support the 探花精选鈥檚 emergency response in Ukraine and Poland during this crucial time. This initiative builds on a legacy of impact and global partnership between the 探花精选 and Sotheby鈥檚.鈥
Artists and luminaries previously came together for auctions at Sotheby鈥檚, New York in and with a portion of proceeds benefiting the 探花精选鈥檚 work responding to the world鈥檚 worst humanitarian crises and helping people whose lives and livelihoods are shattered by conflict and disaster to survive, recover, and rebuild their lives.
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* Estimates do not include buyer's premium or overhead premium. Prices achieved include the hammer price plus buyer's premium and overhead premium and are net of any fees paid to the purchaser where the purchaser provided an irrevocable bid.
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