12 million euros for sculpture auction to raise funds for AIDS research

(Baonghean) - Many prominent names in the world of stars and millionaires were present at the amfAR event “Cinema against AIDS” on the evening of May 21 at the most luxurious hotel de Cap-Eden-Roc in Antibes, France. This is an annual activity on the sidelines of the Cannes Film Festival with profound humanitarian meaning.

A surprise highlight of the event was that a piece by British street artist Banksy, donated by actor Leonardo DiCaprio, fetched more money than a signed Picasso. The Banksy piece fetched 1 million euros, nearly double the final price paid for Picasso's "L'Etreinte." Singer Andrea Bocelli also donated a dinner for 12 people and a performance, raising an additional 2 million euros for the fund.

Koons' “Coloring Book” fetched an impressive sum at auction.

A large-scale sculpture titled “Coloring Book” by American artist Jeff Koons sold for 12 million euros (about 300 billion VND). In total, the auction raised more than 33 million euros (about 800 billion VND) for AIDS research.

Actress Michelle Rodriguez, actress of the famous action series “The Fast and Furious” said on the red carpet: “It is wonderful to be able to gather so many beautiful, talented, successful people and genius artists. Meeting each other, having fun and donating to support the program - there are no words to describe my excitement right now. And now we are about to find a cure for this disease of the century.”

Last year, the event reportedly raised a record $35 million.

Thu Giang

(According to Reuters, Daily Mail)