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Art auction boosts coffers of African charities
Ben Bailey22 Sep 2009
An auction of African art raised almost half a million pounds for charity.
The works, donated by artists from the UK and Africa, went under the hammer at Sotheby's last night for a total of £457,450, with more than half of the lots achieving prices above their estimates.
The top-selling lot was Standing Matter XX, a life-size figure made from steel balls by British artist Antony Gormley, which fetched £130,000.
Sculptor Marc Quinn's bronze of Kate Moss in a leotard doing yoga titled Microcosmo (Fortuna) went for £85,000 - the second highest price of the night.
The auction was organised by philanthropist Tara Getty, of the Getty oil dynasty, and his wife Jessica, along with South African artist Beezy Bailey.
The proceeds will benefit the Africa Foundation and Ikamva Labantu, two charities that care for orphaned and vulnerable children in South Africa.
Tara and Jessica Getty, who are trustees of the Africa Foundation, said they were "delighted" with the results of the sale.
"Our success would not have been possible without the enormous generosity of the artists, the inspired support of our many sponsors, especially Northern Trust and Sotheby's efforts," they said.
"The money we raised through this event will equally benefit Africa Foundation and Ikamva Labantu, two highly deserving charities, and will enable them to continue their effective work in South Africa, providing support where it is most needed."
Oliver Barker, auctioneer and senior international specialist in Contemporary Art at Sotheby's, said: "(Last night's) exceptional results are true testament to the quality and appeal of the great works of art which were generously donated to this historic event by some of the world's leading contemporary artists."
