Who: Innovative, east London-based charity Art Against Knives is auctioning off original arts and fashion works in aid of the capital’s knife crime victims tonight, at the Grade II listed Town Hall hotel in Bethnal Green.
What: An prestigious array of designers and artists have donated to the cause. Christopher Kane has provided two galaxy halter neck dresses from his 2011 resort collection and Marios Schwab donated a black bodycon dress with Swarovski detailing. Participating artists include locals Tracey Emin, with a lithograph of a nude figure lounging among olive trees; and Wolfgang Tillmans, with Cameron, a typically raw and striking portrait of a young man in front of a fruit and vegatable stall.
"Everybody deserves to feel safe on the streets of London, no matter what their sexual orientation, colour or gender be"
Why: In 2008, Central Saint Martin’s student Oliver Hemsley was targeted in an unprovoked knife attack which has left him in a wheelchair. Following the attack, Hemsley and co-founder Katy Dawe launched Art Agaist Knives with a mind to reducing the root causes of knife crime and violent gang culture through arts based initiatives. A longstanding supporter, photographer and artist Tillmans explains, “Everybody deserves to feel safe on the streets of London, no matter what their sexual orientation, colour or gender be. The underlying ills that create knife crime and hate crime need to be tackled at source, and AAK is approaching this with a community-based approach that tries to really make a difference. AAK cannot stop hate crime singlehandedly, but courageous citizens like those behind the charity can push the authorities to do their bit, so that we can all enjoy living together in respect and safety.”
The auction, hosted by Sotheby's, takes place today at the Town Hall Hotel.
Text by Daisy Woodward
