This summer Tusk launched the Tusk Rhino Trail, a London wide sculpture installation to celebrate the magnificence of the rhino and draw attention to the severe threat of poaching to their survival. The artworks have been donated to Tusk by leading contemporary international artists including Marc Quinn, Zhang Huan, Gavin Turk and the Chapman Brothers.
The 21 unique works of art will now go under the hammer at the world-renowned Christie’s auction house in London on Tuesday 9 October. Registration for online bidding is available now via Artsy.net. If you would like to attend the live auction to bid and view the artworks, please get in touch with the Tusk team at info@tusk.org.
Each individually designed and painted rhino sculpture will be sold – along with donated works of art by Tracey Emin, David Shrigley and Julian Opie – to raise vital funds to support Tusk’s ongoing conservation programmes across Africa.
View the lots and register to bid at: artsy.net/tusk-auction
Curating the Trail
The Tusk Rhino Trail has been expertly curated by Chris Westbrook.
“Developing the Tusk Rhino Trail over the last two years has been a wonderful journey.” Says Chris. “When Tusk and I first discussed the idea, we shared the belief in art as the vehicle to deliver messages of conservation. Art is a universal language and a playful communicator of complex ideas.
“Our artists were invited to participate for many reasons. But one key element which they share is the ability to create playful relational art that an audience can interact with and relate to. The dedication shown in creating each rhino as a unique, expressive work of art, and not simply an object to decorate, is exceptional.
“It is impossible in this limited space to credit each artist with the attention they deserve, but it is clear to see that themes of loss, hope and celebration for the black rhino and its preservation co-exist in each sculpture.
“Our heartfelt thanks to all the artists who gave their time so generously and vigorously. This trail has been visited by many thousands as a result, helping Tusk reach an unprecedented number of people.”
Supporting rhino conservation and beyond
All proceeds from the sale of the artworks will go directly to Tusk’s conservation work in Africa, supporting rhinos and other endangered species.
Thanks to the actions of determined conservationists, governments and donors, some rhino populations are holding. But overall, Africa’s rhinos are still in critical danger, with more than 1,000 still killed each year for their horn.
Tusk invests in monitoring and surveillance of important black rhino populations, protecting them from poaching and maintaining populations at stable levels in many areas. Tusk also funds multiple projects dedicated to the conservation of white rhino populations.