A Valentine's Day
auction of contemporary works donated by some of the
world's leading artists will benefit HIV/AIDS relief
programs in Africa.
Sotheby's auction
house has joined with Gagosian Gallery in New York
City's Chelsea district, as well as Damien Hirst and
U2's Bono, in organizing the charity auction.
More than 100
artworks, all inspired by the color red, will be exhibited
February 4-13 at the gallery. The sale is set for
February 14, 2008.
Among the
contributing artists: Hirst, Jeff Koons, Jasper Johns,
Matthew Barney, Georg Baselitz, Cecily Brown, and
Douglas Gordon.
Sotheby's said
Wednesday that the sale's proceeds -- estimated at more
than $40 million -- will go to the United Nations Foundation
to support HIV/AIDS relief programs in Africa, which
are conducted by the Global Fund to fight AIDS,
Tuberculosis, and Malaria. (AP)