Avery Singer, ‘Happening,’ 2022 © Avery Singer [Sold for $1,400,000]

Hauser & Wirth Raises $4,585,000 for UNHCR Through First Online Auction, Art for Better

14 December 2022

With 100% of proceeds going to support the UNHCR’s humanitarian aid programs

The gallery’s first philanthropic online auction of works donated by the gallery’s artists has raised $4,585,000, with all proceeds going to support UNHCR’s work in providing life-saving assistance to the 103 million people who have been forced to flee their homes by conflict, war and persecution. The auction is Hauser & Wirth’s latest initiative under the gallery’s ‘Art for Better’ banner, created to platform an ongoing series of philanthropic projects with local, regional and international impact.

All of the twelve offered lots were sold, with several new auction records set for works (of that scale) by Avery Singer titled ‘Happening’ (2022), which sold for $1,400,000, and Rashid Johnson’s ‘Bruise Painting “Pure Love”’ (2021), an exemplary work from the artist’s new series, which sold for $1,200,000. Further new auction records were set for works by Rita Ackermann and Anj Smith.

All artworks were generously donated by gallery artists Rita Ackermann, Larry Bell, Frank Bowling, George Condo, Martin Creed, Estate Günther Förg, Rashid Johnson, Glenn Ligon, Angel Otero, Thomas J Price, Avery Singer and Anj Smith.

‘Our first online auction has exceeded our expectations by raising a total of $4,585,000 for UNHCR, over double our fundraising goal. This remarkable result is a testament to the extraordinary generosity of our artists and the global network of collectors who have supported this essential humanitarian cause at a time when help is so greatly needed.’—Iwan Wirth

Shirin Pakfar, Global Chief of Private Partners and Philanthropy (PPH) at UNHCR says ‘UNHCR is deeply grateful to the team at Hauser & Wirth, the artists who so generously donated their prized artworks and the winning art collectors for coming together to support refugees.’

12 / 12 lots sold (sale total $4,585,000)

Rashid Johnson, Bruise Painting “Pure Love,” 2021 © Rashid Johnson [Sold for $1,200,00]

Rita Ackermann, ‘Red Dots,’ 2022 © Rita Ackermann [Sold for $400,000]

About UNHCR

UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency leads international action to protect people forced to flee because of conflict and persecution. They deliver life-saving assistance like shelter, food and water, help safe- guard fundamental human rights and develop solutions that ensure people have a safe place to call home where they can build a better future.

For more information about the work of UNHCR see www.unhcr.org