Goldie, acclaimed musician, music producer, DJ, visual artist and actor, is one of 9 artists who have customised a set of Fender Stratocaster guitars to be auctioned off on Wednesday 4th November, alongside other unique artwork to support The Big Issue and its network of sellers in a time of crisis.
The nine artists who have customized the iconic instruments are: Gavin Turk, Goldie, Bran Symondson, Lauren Baker, Vhils, Joe Rush, Jamie Reid, Rugman, Joana Vasconcelos.
The Big Art Auction, held by The Auction Collective, is a collaboration between The Big Issue Group and Creative Giants and has been made possible by a donation from Fender of a collection of iconic Stratocaster guitars.
Goldie commented: “Such an awesome project to really put light on the homelessness in the UK. Big up Big Issue for involving me in this project, it is an honour.”
The Big Art Auction will be a live- streamed event, taking place at 19.00 on Wednesday 4th November at The Auction Collective. The evening will include video messages from the artists involved.
Alongside the customised Stratocasters, there are also a range of limited edition and exclusive artworks including lithographs, paintings, prints and sculpture. Other artists involved include Radiohead’s artist of choice Stanley Donwood, Conrad Shawcross, Adam Neate, Gary Stranger, Hayden Kays, and Unskilled Worker as well as a portfolio of limited edition prints donated by Bridgeman Images from Bill Jacklin, Cathie Pilkington, Eileen Cooper, Paul Huxley, Stephen Farthing, and Vanessa Jackson.
The Big Issue is offering increased support for sellers who are unable to get out to their pitches to sell or who are facing increased hardship. The proceeds from the auction will enable the frontline team to keep providing the day to day support that has been so essential in keeping sellers going through this unprecedented time.
Russell Blackman, MD of The Big Issue, said: “We are delighted to be working with Creative Giants and The Auction Collective on this hugely exciting event. The Big Art Auction comes off the back of an idea originally sparked from a kind donation from the legendary guitar manufacturer Fender and the timing couldn’t be better.
“With footfall down in previously busy high streets across the UK, it’s very tough out there at the moment for Big Issue sellers. The Big Art Auction, with these truly one-off works of art, will raise urgently-needed funds to ensure we can continue to support our sellers, both now and in the future.”
Simon Vaughan, Director at Creative Giants, said: “We are so excited and proud to be part of The Big Art Auction. We believe art has the power to inspire, stimulate and promote new ideas! Our team of artists were enlisted to deliver a range of exciting and thought provoking artwork that could support The Big Issue to explore and challenge the problems of our society today and ultimately raise awareness and funds.”
Tom Best, Director of The Auction Collective, said: “It is a cliche to say this, but this really is a once in a lifetime opportunity to own such extraordinary objects of art. The customised guitars auctioned together with more traditional contemporary sculpture and flat art, marry together the worlds of music, fine art and philanthropy in what will be an extremely important fundraising event for The Big Issue during these troubled times.”
Registration opens for registration today and closes at midnight on Tuesday 3rd November. Visit https://theauctioncollective.com/auctions/the-big-art-auction/ to register and to see a full list of auction lots.
For art lovers seeking a more affordable investment, a strictly limited edition run of prints will be available for two weeks after the auction. For more details see bigissue.com
Main image credit: Louise Haywood
Add as a preferred source