Contemporary Artist Takashi Murakami Holds Christie's Charity Auction to Benefit International Medical Corps Japan Disaster Relief

LOS ANGELES, Nov. 9, 2011 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Contemporary artist Takashi Murakami has partnered with Christie's Auction House to hold "Artists for Japan," a specially-curated charity auction to benefit Japan earthquake and tsunami relief.  Proceeds from the sale, including works made by some of the biggest names in contemporary art selected personally by Murakami, will be contributed to humanitarian organizations including International Medical Corps, which has delivered healthcare and training services since immediately following the March disaster.

(Photo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20111109/DC02674)

The November 9th sale in New York will feature donated works from noted contemporary artists including Murakami, Damien Hirst, Jeff Koons, Yoshitomo Nara and Cindy Sherman among others.

"We are tremendously grateful to Takashi Murakami and Christie's Auction House for holding this generous charity auction to benefit survivors of the Japan earthquake and tsunami," said Nancy A. Aossey, President & CEO of International Medical Corps.  "With their support, International Medical Corps will be able to continue supporting our local Japanese partners and effectively delivering healthcare services to survivors who suffer from the long-term health and psychosocial effects of a disaster of this magnitude."

Murakami recently met with International Medical Corps Japan Country Director, Yumi Terahata, at his art studios in Saitama, Japan, to express his commitment to supporting survivors of the catastrophe.

"The damage which resulted from the recent earthquake was great and yet, there are other disasters occurring somewhere in the world every day. If we do not address the root causes of the chaos which arises from these disasters, both natural and man-made, then our problems will continue reoccurring and their severity will only grow worse, eating further away at the heart and mind," said Murakami. "It is with the goal of engaging people in a shared understanding of this catastrophic state of affairs that I hold this event; if an art auction can serve as the impetus for such understanding, then I am hopeful that we can make our present hardship worthwhile."

Oscar-nominated actor Ken Watanabe will open the "Artists for Japan" sale with a reading of a Japanese poem, selected especially for the occasion. Mr. Watanabe's appearance comes with the cooperation of the Japanese website and initiative Kizuna311, which was launched after the disasters to offer moral and emotional support to those affected.  For more information on the auction: http://www.christies.com/features/auctions/1111/artists-for-japan/

Since its inception 27 years ago, International Medical Corps' mission has been consistent: relieve the suffering of those impacted by war, natural disaster, and disease, by delivering vital health care services that focus on training. This approach of helping people help themselves is critical to returning devastated populations to self-reliance. For more information visit:  www.InternationalMedicalCorps.org. Also see on Facebook and follow on Twitter.

SOURCE International Medical Corps