On November 6th, 2023, an event of immense significance unfolded at Sotheby's, New Bond Street, London. Freedom from Torture, a charity dedicated to the healing and protection of survivors of torture, hosted a Private View & Art Auction. This event not only showcased exceptional artistry but also served a noble cause. We are very proud to share that one of Red Eight Gallery’s talented artists, Will Solomon, participated in the event, donating one of his pieces to the cause.
Torture is a horrifying ordeal used around the world to silence and oppress individuals. Survivors of torture often escape their tormentors, arriving in a foreign land with nothing but the clothes on their backs. Freedom from Torture is an organisation that stands by these survivors, providing specialist psychological therapy, counselling, and creative groups to help them recover from their trauma and rebuild their lives.
With over 35 years of experience, Freedom from Torture is one of the largest torture rehabilitation centres globally. Their work involves helping survivors rebuild their physical and mental health, documenting evidence of torture, and offering legal and welfare support for asylum cases.
The Live Auction and Online Silent Auction featured over 60 artworks from established and emerging artists from around the world, such as David Hockney and Ai Weiwei, and was a remarkable event aimed at supporting survivors of torture.
Red Eight Gallery's artist, Will Solomon, played a pivotal role in this event, generously donating one of his masterpieces, "Serenity Falls," to the auction, which sold for £8,000. Will Solomon is an artist who has captivated the art world with his bold, experimental style. His creative journey began at the young age of 13 when he was invited to one of the world's most recognised urban art festivals.
Will's artistry spans various mediums, including painting, sculpture, wearable art, and NFTs. He draws inspiration from the patterns and textures found in nature and the built environment, incorporating elements from his street graffiti background. Music and fashion, along with his street art roots, inspire him to create art that conveys emotions beyond words.
Will's donated painting, "Serenity Falls," reflects his deep connection to the natural world. He explained, "Every painting is a journey in itself, but 'The Falls' have taken me on a visual journey discovering some of the most amazing and beautiful waterfalls on our planet." His work beautifully captures the force and power of water, the calming serenity, and the rich colours reflected through minerals and pigments.
“My paintings have always been inspired or influenced by the brilliance of our natural world,” Will says. “Whether it be the textures and shapes created by nature, or the colours and patterns that I see, these lead me to an idea that finds its way to the canvas.” Will’s dedication to this cause and his breathtaking artwork exemplify the power of art to make a real difference in the lives of survivors of torture.
The event was a testament to the power of art in bringing together humanity, compassion, and solidarity. The funds raised during the auction will contribute to supporting survivors of torture as they rebuild their lives in the UK. Freedom from Torture and artists like Will Solomon are a beacon of hope, demonstrating how creativity can be harnessed to heal and protect those who have suffered unimaginable pain.
If you’d like to check out more of this talented artist’s work, take a look here.
