We Ain’t dED Yet is a timed, online auction that’s live right now. It ends on Sunday 17th September 2023 at 3pm. There are 26 lots in total, donated by artists such as Gavin Turk, Adam Broomberg, Jeremy Deller and Imranovi. In the run-up to the sale, the items form an exhibition at Gallery 46 in Whitechapel, London.
Back for its 4th edition, Art the Arms Fair and Demilitarise Education are presenting We Ain’t dED Yet, an exhibition aiming to expose and oppose DSEI arms fair through art. The award-winning art exhibition runs from 11-17 September and culminates with a cross-category online auction… The proceeds will be donated to support the work of Demilitarise Education in their campaign for universities to sever ties with the global arms trade.
Lot 1: EPI
‘GUNRUNNER’
Silkscreen print on 350gsm watercolour paper. Unframed dimensions: 59.4cm x 84.1cm. Produced in 2023 specifically for this exhibition. This is a unique work. The artist produced 2 smaller sized AP’s in the following dimensions: 29.7cm x 42cm.
Estimate: £1,000 – £3,000
To participate in Art The Arms Fair this year will be a wonderful opportunity both to protest against the senseless commercialisation of war, and in some small way to lend my voice along with some hugely talented artists in supporting the commendable work of dED_ucation. Plus it’s one in the eye for Oxford University, who turned me down for a modern languages degree and forced me into a life of painting crap for a living. C’est la vie, I suppose. – EPI
Lot 2: Ken Nwadiogbu
‘Freedom to Love 2’
Charcoal and acrylic on cardboard paper. This is a unique work. Signed on verso. Produced in 2022. Unframed dimensions: 41cm x 41cm.
Estimate: £1,200 – £1,900
I recall an article I encountered, bearing the headline “FINALLY FREE.” It sparked a reflection on the significance of freedom and our unending pursuit to liberate ourselves from various burdens: be it pain, debt, memories, obstacles, illness, or the chains of enslavement. The discourse on freedom serves as a poignant reminder of its immeasurable worth, reigniting our resolute commitment to its attainment. Within the realm of Freedom Protesters, my endeavor revolves around crafting a protest tableau utilizing the simplest of protest materials—the humble cardboard paper. – Ken Nwadiogbu
Lot 4: Kyle Goen
‘Gaza Love Stamp’
30 stamps on a sheet. Dimensions of each unframed stamp sheet: 21.6cm x 28cm. The auction lot includes 5 sheets. Produced in 2023. Limited edition of 100. Numbered on recto. Artwork for sale includes 51/100, 52/100, 53/100, 54/100, 55/100.
Estimate: £200 – £600
Gaza Love was more influenced by General Idea’s AIDS piece and Rage Against The Machine’s ‘Renegades’ album cover than Robert Indiana. However I realize neither transgression would have been possible without Indiana’s iconic LOVE.
Why am I participating in this year’s edition of Art The Arms Fair? Any chance to act in solidarity with Palestine or with people working in solidarity with Palestine, is a must for me. – Kyle Goen
Lot 6: Kyle Goen
‘Let Art Be Training in the Practice of Freedom’
Button up shirt, mixed media. Framed dimensions will be updated in due course. This is a unique work, artist’s own. Produced in 2022.
Estimate: £320 – £480
The ‘Let Art Be Training In the Practice of Freedom’ shirt was in my show of the same name, and is a humble attempt at honouring Vivienne Westwood for everything she did trying to transform society. – Kyle Goen
Lot 10: Gavin Turk
‘Fire Water’
Gold foil, glass bottle and shelf. This is a unique work. Produced in 2019. Sculpture dimensions: 36.2cm x 9.8cm x 7.7cm. Shelf dimensions: 25cm x 15cm x 13cm. COA provided by the artist upon acquisition.
Estimate: £8,000 – £12,000
In today’s political and environmental climate, it is more important than ever to decouple education and the arms trade, and bring about peace and understanding – Gavin Turk
Lot 12: Dr.d aka Subvertiser
‘Reduce Greed Now’
Hand-pulled screen print on a recycled road sign, made with permanent vegetable inks (eco-friendly, water based). Limited edition of 50, numbered and signed on verso. Artwork for acquisition is 3/50. In collaboration with Carry On Screening. Unframed dimensions: 52.7cm x 44cm. COA available upon acquisition from the artist. Produced in 2022.
Estimate: £150 – £300
Lot 16: Elizabeth Eade
‘Bang’
Mixed media, including second world war bullets, crystals and 24k gold. Dimensions are approx. 45cm x 45cm x 45cm. Produced in 2023 specifically for this exhibition. This is a unique work.
Estimate: £2,000 – £4,000
‘Bang’ commands attention. Yet, beneath the surface lies a profound exploration of the consequences of our actions and the lasting impact they leave on the world. The striking contrast between the burgundy velvet base and the mirror, immediately draws the viewer’s attention. The darkness of the bloodied velvet serves as a poignant backdrop for the shattered round mirror, hinting at a narrative of destruction and loss. The choice of 24k gold-plated Second World War bullets accentuates the sculpture’s underlying message. Each bullet, adorned in gold, carries with it the weight of historical conflicts and human suffering. The juxtaposition of opulence and warfare serves as a powerful commentary on the links between luxury culture, capitalism and war. – Elizabeth Eade
Lot 23: Zedsy
‘Stop Bombing’
Spray paint on aluminium road sign. Unframed dimensions: 45cm x 45cm. Produced in 2023. This is a unique work. COA provided by the artist upon acquisition.
Estimate: £400 – £600
Graffiti artists and military personnel have a lot in common – we both spray our ammunition. But paint is a bit less deadly and can be used as a force for good. – Zedsy