Sotheby’s New York will be auctioning off 6 pieces of contemporary art to benefit Elton John’s AIDS Foundation. Artists like Jeff Koons and Cecily Brown have donated artwork to the Sotheby’s Contemporary Art Sale which will be held on November 10, 2011.
The Art Daily reports that Cecily Brown, Tracey Emin, Jim Hodges, Howard Hodgkin, Jeff Koons and Keith Haring have all donated art work for the auction.
Elton John, who started the Elton John AIDS Foundation 20 years ago, said:
“All of us at EJAF are tremendously grateful to Sotheby’s and to all of the amazing artists who have so generously contributed truly special pieces to the charity lots for this auction. I am inspired by their great generosity as we kick-off our fund-raising efforts for the 20th year of the Foundation’s work.”
The proceeds from the art sale will go to EJAF as the organization celebrates its 20th anniversary.
Tobias Meyer, Worldwide Director of Contemporary Art at Sotheby’s, said:
“Sotheby’s is delighted to support the remarkable work of the Elton John AIDS Foundation in our upcoming Contemporary sale. The works on offer in November have been donated directly from an enticing mix of today’s leading contemporary artists, and their connection to the EJAF is certain to appeal to a wide range of today’s collectors and philanthropists.”
According to Reuters , the big ticket item for the night will be Koons’ silkscreen “Monkey Train,” which is expected to fetch around $50,000. Of course, a charity event organized by Elton John could bring in celebrities with some pretty deep pockets. Jennifer Aniston spent $450,000 on a piece of art at Ben Stiller’s charity auction last month.
