“We deal with important legacy pieces on a daily basis, but these tangible assets only have their true value because of the intangible. Archbishop Desmond Tutu is one of the greatest assets to humanity,” says Frank Kilbourn, executive chairperson of South Africa’s leading art auction house Strauss & Co, “his life story shows how we can all be when we are at our best.”
The Desmond & Leah Tutu Legacy Foundation has the important responsibility of securing the Archbishop’s legacy, and the Tutu Legacy Fund was established so that the Foundation can foster a new, youth-led drive for positive change in Africa and the rest of the world.
To celebrate the Archbishop’s 90th birthday this year, and to raise funds for the Tutu Legacy Fund, the Foundation devised the 90@90 campaign, which aims to raise R90-million between 7 October 2020 and 7 October 2022.
As part of this drive, the Foundation will be hosting the Art for the Arch charity auction, in collaboration with Strauss & Co and the French Embassy in South Africa. “We’re thrilled to be hosting this premier event with our partners,” says the Foundation’s CEO, Piyushi Kotecha, “their generosity is greatly appreciated.”
A variety of works of art and once-in-a-lifetime experiences will go under the hammer on 22 September 2021 to raise funds for this worthy cause, including a new, limited-edition print by world-renowned artist William Kentridge and a luxurious stay at a five-star private villa near Hermanus in the Western Cape.
One of the more poignant pieces up for auction is a painting by South African artist Charles Foley, The Spirit of Joy: Tutu and Dalai Lama (oil on canvas, estimate R 100 000 – 150 000). The artwork captures the joyful personal bond between His Holiness the Dalai Lama and Archbishop Tutu.
The two religious leaders collaborated on The Book of Joy: Lasting Happiness in a Changing World, which made the New York Times bestseller list in 2016. “Joy is the reward, really, of seeking to give joy to others”, they are quoted as saying. “When you show compassion, when you show caring, when you show love to others, do things for others, in a wonderful way you have a deep joy that you can get in no other way.”
“When you are caring, compassionate, more concerned about the welfare of others than about your own, wonderfully, wonderfully, you suddenly feel a warm glow in your heart, because you have, in fact, wiped the tears from the eyes of another.”
Foley’s painting is a depiction of the spirit that Tutu and the Dalai Lama represent – grace, humility, and selflessness. It’s an intimate moment shared by two spiritual giants, but without the forced piety and hieratic grandeur we associate with historical depictions of religious leaders in art. It’s a moment of communication and affection between two friends, who also just happen to be two of the world’s most influential religious leaders.
“We are each made for goodness, love and compassion. Our lives are transformed as much as the world is when we live with these truths,” Tutu is quoted as saying. The painting presents two kindred spirits who recognise these qualities in each other.
Barry Jackson’s Dancing Tutu (bronze, estimate R 60 000 – 80 000) is another significant lot going on auction. “Desmond Tutu himself inspired me to do this work,” Jackson states. “He’s close friends with the Dalai Lama and when they visit each other they laugh a lot. While Tutu is a very serious man, he radiates tremendous cheer.”
The Archbishop is fond of dancing and even as an octogenarian he’s known to throw a few moves on the dance floor. The sculpture represents the Archbishop as he’s known to the world – filled with exuberance, and an energetic, youthful spirit, despite his advancing years.
“We’re extremely proud and honoured to be a part of the celebrations for the 90th birthday of Archbishop Desmond Tutu and hope that this milestone will help to raise awareness of the Desmond & Leah Tutu Legacy Foundation’s important activities,” says Aurélien Lechevallier, France’s ambassador to South Africa.
Funds raised from the Art for the Arch charity auction will go towards various Tutu Legacy Fund projects, including an exciting new long-term exhibition celebrating the work of Archbishop Tutu, titled Truth to Power, which opens in October 2021.
The hybrid sale will take place live at the Desmond & Leah Tutu Legacy Foundation’s premises in Cape Town and be streamed in real time over the auction house’s website. The first session starts at 3 pm, and the second at 6 pm. Potential buyers can view the sale and register to bid on the Strauss & Co website at www.straussart.co.za from Wednesday, 15 September 2021.
