Xavier Veilhan

Donated by the artist and Galerie Emmanuel Perrotin, Paris

Colour: The colours in the catalogue illustration are fairly accurate although the tone of the wood sculpture is lighter in the original. Condition: This work is in very good condition.
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

Sotheby’s is delighted to present an exceptional group of works, donated in aid of the Mimi Foundation, a revolutionary charity founded to support those who are living through the anxieties and hardships of cancer treatments. With more than 15,000 patients benefiting from the support of the Foundation in Belgium, France and Switzerland, the proceeds from the auction of these works are aimed to fund the charity’s expansion into the UK.

With extraordinary donations from leading European artists, including Antony Gormley, Andreas Gursky, Thomas Houseago and Aaron Young, as well as seminal figures of the Chinese vanguard, artists from around the globe have offered their support, many creating works especially for the occasion. The remarkable collection of works is testament to the profound significance of the Foundation’s admirable cause, as well as Mr and Mrs Ullens long-standing commitment to Contemporary art.

The charity’s founder, Baroness Myriam Ullens, describes the Foundation’s unique mission and cause: “Some experiences turn your life upside down and give it a new direction and new momentum. In 2003, I found out I had cancer. Throughout my treatment I experienced the solitude and distress that patients face at this extremely trying time. I was, however, hugely lucky to have the companionship of my husband Guy Ullens, my family and my friends.Having come through my illness, I created the Mimi Foundation. Its mission is to come to the aid of women and men who are diagnosed with cancer, whoever they are. The foundation provides support to help them through this difficult period of their lives. The foundation was launched in 2004. At the time, new theories were demonstrating that psychological and physical wellbeing play a vital party in recovery. Our mission is to use these principles to improve the quality of life for cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy or radiotherapy. We seek to complement the work carried out by existing medical staff by setting up a centre for wellbeing within oncology departments: a welcoming space dedicated to patients, where they are pampered and listened to. Patients are offered three services: counselling for themselves and their families, a hairdressing consultation (including a choice of wigs and scarves) and specialist beauty treatments, enabling every patient to recover their dignity. These services are offered by professionals who have been specially trained to provide for patients’ needs. Working with such people can foster genuinely trusting relationships. These relationships play an essential role in most patients’ recovery, breaking the often agonising solitude of the fight against cancer.”

A further eight works will be sold at a Charity Gala Dinner Auction held on 16 October 2013. Please see pages 334-343 at the back of this catalogue for further details.