Christie's to Host 'A Bid to Save the Earth' Auction
Maya Lin, known for designing the Vietnam War memorial in Washington, D.C., is contributing "In the Land of Milk and Honey", a sculpture in cardboard that challenges accepted notions of what constitutes a "natural" landscape.
To celebrate the 40th anniversary of Earth Day, Christie's, the world's leading art business, is convening an unprecedented group of leaders from the worlds of art, philanthropy, finance, fashion, and celebrity to advocate for the Earth.
“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 NGOs,” said Susan Cohn Rockefeller. “This is the kind of collective action that will help us meet the tremendous challenges our Earth faces.”
This global affair benefits four not-for-profits: Oceana, Central Park Conservancy, Natural Resources Defense Council and Conservation International. Christie’s will waive all fees and commissions, so that all funds raised can be put to use to advocate for the environment by these four organizations, who have earned a top four-star rating by Charitynavigator, the not-for-profit rating agency.
These NGOs have programs around the world on all seven continents. This international reach is mirrored by the origins of the artists contributing works for auction, including Denmark’s Olafur Eliasson, to the London-born Matthew Ritchie and Turner Prize winning Keith Tyson to India’s Subodh Gupta.
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’s work. 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 constituted a “natural” landscape. Keith Tyson, winner of the 2002 Turner Award, is donating Cloud Choreography.
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 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.
Deutsche Bank Climate Change Advisors (DBCA) is the lead sponsor of Christie’s Green Auction: A Bid to Save Earth.