We are excited to launch a collaborative not-for-profit exhibition and timed auction in partnership with The Big Issue Foundation.
The Richer Than exhibition and auction is a visual conversation in response to the rising rates of homelessness and poverty in the UK, following the pandemic. With food, bills and energy costs soaring and many living without appropriate support, there will be a tidal wave of homelessness hitting the UK this year. The chasm between rich and poor is growing ever wider and we’re having to fight for the basic human rights of those living in poverty. We want to bring attention to this ‘war at home’.
"With everything that is happening in the world right now it’s easy to lose sight of the ever increasing problems on our doorstep . We are so connected as a society online, and so concerned for our virtual presence that we end up disconnected to real anguish when it’s right in front of us. Since the pandemic, the likelihood of households with two full-time workers being pulled into poverty has more than doubled. I hope the Richer Than exhibition raises questions about the current wealth divide. I want to encourage conversations about wealth and social contribution through the idea that with enough money anyone can be a superhero.”
Richer Than will raise funds for The Big Issue Foundation through the timed auction of 50 exclusive pieces of art. Each piece incorporates a quotation and perspective on wealth, contributed by a cross-section of society. Well known contributors include: Leigh Francis, Mike Soutar (The Apprentice), Kojey Radical, Dave Buonaguidi and Katie Woods.
The exhibition is an extension of the Rich Enough to be Batman collection. Bold and subversive, the collection provokes questions about wealth and social contribution. The Queen is used throughout the collection as a symbol of wealth and is juxtaposed with the cowl of Batman. The cowl represents Batman’s aim to ‘do good’: he wasn’t superhuman, but instead his superpower was to use his wealth to give back to society.
The invitation-only private view takes place at Roots in the Sky (formerly Blackfriars Crown Court) and is hosted by the building owner and London investor Fabrix. The private view will take place on Thursday 21st April with DJ sets from Femi Fem and Karistocat. The exhibition then moves over the river to Spitalfields in East London from Saturday 23rd April until Friday the 29th April, where it can be viewed by the general public.
Auction platform The Auction Collective are managing the timed auction of the exhibited artworks. Guests and art buyers worldwide will be able to bid online or in person via a simple QR code system for their favourite piece[s]. The timed auction will begin on Wednesday 20th April and run through until Friday 29th April 2022, inc.
To visit the online auction click here:
https://theauctioncollective.com/auctions/richer-than/
To confirm attendance at Spitalfields via Eventbrite click here:
https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/richer-than-tickets-317443089827