Theaster Gates

Courtesy of the artist

This work is in excellent condition overall. There is evidence of light wear and handling consistent with the nature of the found media. Unframed.
In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective qualified opinion.
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Sotheby’s is proud to partner for a third consecutive year with the Elton John AIDS Foundation (EJAF) on a special series of works donated directly by celebrated artists Marina Abramović, Ai Weiwei, William Eggleston, Inka Essenhigh, Theaster Gates, Wade Guyton, Louise Lawler, and Raymond Pettibon.  Proceeds from the sale will benefit EJAF’s urgent work.

 

“At the Elton John AIDS Foundation, we believe that AIDS can be beaten,” says Founder Sir Elton John.  “We act on that belief by raising funds for effective programs and policies, and also by speaking out with honesty and compassion about the realities of people’s lives.  Through hard work and with the help of our network of kind, amazing, creative, and generous friends and supporters, like the wonderful artists who have so generously donated their work for this charity sale, the Foundation has raised more than $300 million over the past two decades to combat stigma, prevent infections, provide treatment and services, and motivate governments to end AIDS.” 

 

“Recent research breakthroughs and developments in the field of HIV prevention have shown us a clear pathway to achieving an AIDS-free generation and ultimately the end of AIDS – perhaps even in our lifetime,” adds Chairman David Furnish.  “We now know we could STOP the spread of HIV through a combination of widespread HIV testing, HIV treatment, and health promotion focused on sexual health, eliminating HIV transmission through needle sharing, and universal access to health care.  The world’s challenge now is to build the programs and large-scale funding required to deliver these services wherever they are needed.” 

 

EJAF is one of the main sources of support for innovative programs across the U.S., the Americas, and the Caribbean, focused on achieving an AIDS-free generation.  Where resources and political will are lacking, such as for healthcare in the country of Haiti or the topic of syringe access in the U.S., EJAF is one of the top five grant-makers sustaining vital life-saving interventions for tens of thousands of people, holding steady toward the day when the government’s response will be able to match the need. 

 

In addition, EJAF continues to serve as a leader and champion on politically marginalized issues, backing up its grant programs with speeches, editorials, Congressional testimony, and public communications to advocate for access to life-saving medicines for the poor, for gay men’s health, for accessible sexual health services for young people, for health and economic equality for African Americans, and against overly harsh drug-related incarceration and under-funded post-prison community re-entry programs for ex-offenders.

 

“Since the beginning of the AIDS epidemic, artists have used their talents to question authority, attract attention, inspire people to become involved, and to raise money for HIV/AIDS organizations,” said Sir Elton.  “At EJAF, we have been extraordinarily fortunate to have the generous contributions of artists and the arts community to help support our life-saving work.  We’re tremendously grateful once again to Sotheby’s and to the wonderful artists who have shared their talents with us for this auction.  Working together, we can achieve our vision of an AIDS-free generation and ultimately a world without AIDS, if we have the will and the generosity of spirit to do what needs to be done.”