This season’s Contemporary Curated auction will feature a dedicated sequence titled STOP BLADDER CANCER, which was organized by artist Ugo Rondinone, who was diagnosed with high-grade bladder cancer in 2017. Included are works donated by Rondinone, as well as 14 other leading Contemporary artists, which will support critical funding for bladder cancer treatment research at Weill Medical College of Cornell University.
“In May 2017 I was diagnosed with high-grade Bladder Cancer. Like most people, I had never heard of it or known someone diagnosed with Bladder Cancer. Little did I know, Bladder Cancer is very common with 429,800 new cases and 165,100 deaths in the US in 2019. Despite the high incidence rate, treatment of Bladder Cancer has not changed much over the past 25 years. After I was diagnosed I was referred to Dr. Douglas Scherr, MD, Professor of Urology and the Clinical Director of Urologic Oncology at the Weill Medical College of Cornell University. In addition to his clinical responsibilities, Dr. Scherr also has an active role in the Laboratory of Urologic Oncology. Dr. Scherr has been instrumental in defining the hormonal regulation of Bladder Cancer and is now developing, together with Dr. Juan Cubillos-Ruiz, PhD, a novel class of compounds that utilize the innate immune system to fight urologic tumors. One of the important reasons for the relative lack of improvement in the treatment of Bladder Cancer is the low funding for research on Bladder Cancer. In the USA, research on Breast Cancer is supported annually with 600 million dollars, versus 22 million dollars spent on Bladder Cancer. This is why I decided to be an advocate and fundraiser for Bladder Cancer research and help to improve the diagnosis and treatment of Bladder Cancer. I am partnering with Sotheby’s to raise funds for urologic oncology research at Weill Cornell to help Dr. Scherr and Dr. Cubillos-Ruiz continue and expand their essential work. I want to thank all 14 artists who have generously donated a significant work in support of this special cause. Their participation will help to create awareness about Bladder Cancer and motivate future funding for Bladder Cancer research and ultimately a breakthrough treatment.” –Ugo Rondinone
Ahead, discover the 15 works on offer that will benefit this meaningful cause.
