LONDON.- Freedom from Torture announced that the 13th edition of its biennial art auction, Drawing a Line Under Torture will run online from 23.10 – 06.11. Twelve Selected works will be auctioned live at a private, invitation-only viewing at Sotheby’s, New Bond Street, London.

Drawing a Line Under Torture will feature works by more than 60 artists, with world-renowned names including: Ai Weiwei, Grayson Perry, Kiki Smith, David Hockney, Maggi Hambling, Antony Gormley, Jim Dine, Paula Rego, Mona Hatoum, Quentin Blake and Julian Opie. This vital biennial event has raised more than £1 million since its inception in 2003 and we hope to raise more than £300,000 in 2023. Art works will start at £400 and with up to £95,000 expected for an original Grayson Perry ceramic, created especially for Freedom From Torture. 100% of the sale price of every work sold goes directly to Freedom from Torture, a British charity who have supported over 30,000 survivors of torture since 1985 with their pioneering torture rehabilitation services.

Grayson Perry commented: “The work that Freedom from Torture carries out to support survivors of torture in their recovery and rebuilding their lives here in the UK is incredibly important. I am delighted to be supporting them in raising funds for their vital services by donating a work for the Art Auction: Drawing A Line Under Torture.”

Freedom From Torture work with survivors of torture to help them feel safe, heal and be strong again. In 2021 our pioneering rehabilitation services supported 709 survivors from almost 50 countries, including Sri Lanka, Afghanistan and Iran – and who also work tirelessly to speak out and expose torture, defending the rights of survivors globally.

In 1994, this included working with Iranian writer, artist and civil rights activist, Nasrin Parvaz and supporting her on her journey of recovery. Nasrin commented, “I was arrested in 1982, tortured and spent eight years in an Iranian jail. When I came to the UK, Freedom from Torture not only provided me with vital therapy, but also encouraged me to express myself creatively. I am proud to now be able

to take part in Drawing A Line Under Torture and to donate my work, ‘End of Imprisonment and Borders’ (2023), and that funds raised this year will help rebuild lives shattered by oppressive regimes all around the world.”

Sonya Sceats, Chief Executive of Freedom from Torture, said, “From our work with survivors every day, we know how torturers try to take away their voices. Art therapy plays a vital role in helping people to express themselves again. Our art auction is a very special event for us, and this year it comes at a time when values of compassion and fairness, which unite us as a community, are under threat. We’re very grateful to all these incredible artists offering such a unique and creative way to show solidarity with people who have endured unimaginable cruelty, and to support those in the UK to rebuild their lives in safety.”

Drawing A line Under Torture is supported by the Art Auction Committee which includes: Cinny Aumonier, Ariane Bankes, Alan Cristea, Claire Curtice, Kathleen Dempsey, Sebastian Gibson, Caroline Rupert, Henry St George and Isabel de Vasconcellos.