Freedom from Torture has announced the 13th edition of its biennial art auction, Drawing a Line Under Torture, which will run online from 23.10 – 06.11. Twelve Selected works will be auctioned live at a private, invitation-only viewing at Sotheby’s, New Bond Street, London.
Drawing a Line Under Torture will feature works by more than 60 artists, with world-renowned names including Ai Weiwei, Grayson Perry, Kiki Smith, David Hockney, Maggi Hambling, Antony Gormley, Jim Dine, Paula Rego, Mona Hatoum, Quentin Blake and Julian Opie. This vital biennial event has raised more than £1 million since its inception in 2003, and we hope to raise more than £300,000 in 2023. Artworks will start at £400, with up to £95,000 expected for an original Grayson Perry ceramic created especially for Freedom From Torture. 100% of the sale price of every work sold goes directly to Freedom from Torture, a British charity that has supported over 30,000 survivors since 1985 with its pioneering torture rehabilitation services.
Grayson Perry commented: “The work that Freedom from Torture carries out to support survivors of Torture in their recovery and rebuilding their lives here in the UK is vital. I am delighted to support them in raising funds for their vital services by donating a work for the Art Auction: Drawing A Line Under Torture.”
Freedom From Torture works with torture survivors to help them feel safe, heal and be strong again. In 2021, our pioneering rehabilitation services supported 709 survivors from almost 50 countries, including Sri Lanka, Afghanistan and Iran – and who also work tirelessly to speak out and expose Torture, defending the rights of survivors globally.
In 1994, this included working with Iranian writer, artist and civil rights activist Nasrin Parvaz and supporting her on her recovery journey. Nasrin commented, “I was arrested in 1982, tortured and spent eight years in an Iranian jail. When I came to the UK, Freedom from Torture provided me with vital therapy and encouraged me to express myself creatively. I am proud to be able to participate in Drawing A Line Under Torture and to donate my work, ‘End of Imprisonment and Borders’ (2023), and that funds raised this year will help rebuild lives shattered by oppressive regimes worldwide.”
Top Photo: courtesy © Cornelia Parker
How to bid:
For Silent Auction: register and bid online from 10 am, 23rd October: HERE
Live auction of 12 selected works: from 7:30 pm 6th November at Sotheby’s. For more information on bidding in the live auction, don’t hesitate to get in touch with artauction@freedomfromtorture.org