LONDON.- We know the world of Mario Testino as viewed through the camera’s lens; through the vibrant images that grace the pages of the world’s leading magazines, and through the portraits that have defined and redefined our perception of the most influential figures of our time. But while Testino is known the world over for his photography, his complete immersion in the broader art world, as a collector and a philanthropist, is a story as yet untold.

In September, a first, fully-embracing light will be cast on Testino’s personal artistic journey with ‘Shake It Up’, an exhibition, and ultimate sale, of over 400 works, which form part of his personal collection. Formed over some 30 years, the collection brings together many of the artists Testino most admires, and whose visual language has helped to inform his world and vision. Directed and designed by Testino himself, the imaginatively installed exhibition will reveal the constant and lively dialogue the greatest photographer of our time enjoys with the greatest artists of our time.

Two auctions of international contemporary art on the 13 and 14 September will be followed an online only sale of photographs collected by Testino. Parallel to the auctions, Testino’s own work will also be presented - demonstrating the energetic dialogue between the artist and the collector, and how they intersect. All of this will be complemented by a series of talks with friends and collaborators from the worlds of art, fashion and photography.

“Art had a transformative effect on my life and I want to give people this same opportunity. I hope through Museo MATE and all its activities we can do that” -- Mario Testino

Born in Lima in 1954, Testino is passionately committed to his country, deeply aware of its rich history and traditions, and of his indebtedness to all that his upbringing there gave him. In particular, he is committed to nurturing the Peruvian art scene – to creating possibilities for artists there, to expose the wider community to a broad spectrum of international art, to help put Lima on the map as a cultural destination and to awaken to Peru’s youth the power of creative learning. To this end, in 2012 Testino established the not-for-profit Museo MATE in Lima to promote and support culture in Peru. Now focused on taking the work of MATE to the next level, all proceeds from the auction will go towards the expansion of the museum’s programme of exhibitions, residencies and education initiatives.

A collector for over three decades, Testino discovered and supported many of today’s leading artists long before they became established names. For him, the dialogue between collecting art and creating art has always been a dynamic one, “the art world is where I feed,” he says, “it opens my eyes to new things and shifts my consciousness”. Artists of a remarkable 45 different nationalities are represented across the sale, ranging from renowned international artists including Richard Prince, Georg Baselitz, Wolfgang Tillmans, Rudolf Stingel, Sterling Ruby, Gilbert & George and Cindy Sherman, to emerging names from every corner of the globe.

“This is a collection driven by passion, intellectual and visual curiosity, and a desire to support a new generation of artists. Assembled with a uniquely discerning eye, the collection should be admired first and foremost for the extraordinary quality of its constituent works, yet it is the overwhelming sense of personality that gives it such a distinct character. ” --Oliver Barker, Chairman, Sotheby's Europe

From 8-13 September, Testino will take over Sotheby’s London galleries, curating an immersive exhibition to be staged alongside a series of talks by friends and collaborators from the worlds of art, fashion and photography. Parallel to the auctions, Testino’s own work will also be presented - demonstrating the energetic dialogue between the artist and the collector, and how they intersect.