NEW YORK, N.Y.- Christie's announced it will join with Takashi Murakami and Kaikai Kiki Co., Ltd. to provide support for the victims of the March 11, 2011 Tohoku-Pacific earthquake in Japan by dedicating a special section of a forthcoming New York auction to the continuing relief effort. Murakami is personally selecting a roster of artists who will donate works to be auctioned. All proceeds from the special sale, including works made by some of the biggest names in contemporary art, will be contributed to organizations providing relief to the survivors of the catastrophe, the effects of which continue to be devastating.

Brett Gorvy, Chairman International Head, Christie‟s Post-War and Contemporary Art comments: “The very term „contemporary art‟ implies a connection to the world around us. For Christie‟s, as the international leader in contemporary art, this connection also implies a responsibility. We are proud to assist an outstanding artist, Takashi Murakami, in responding to a humanitarian crisis that touches so many people.”

Takashi Murakami comments: “Those of us who live, work and share connections with Japan have been witness to a series of horrible events that will leave an indelible mark on the country for years to come. For myself, I first responded with the New Day project, in which artists provided encouragement to the victims by submitting works through the Internet. Now, we aim to take this effort to a higher level.”

“The past months have already seen the rise of many such projects around the world,” Takashi Murakami continued. “But as a Japanese artist working inside the global contemporary art community, I possessed the strong realization that we must contribute something of our own initiative. The support and encouragement of Mr. François Pinault and Christie‟s has been vital in helping to reach that goal. I hope through this project to send a message to the people in the damage-struck areas that we are still with them and will continue to provide support.”

More than a call for help by one artist for his homeland, the benefit section of the auction will be an illustration of the role that art can play in times of crisis.