(Apr. 30) Art, wine and charity. These are the words that have characterized the event held last Friday in Hong Kong at the prestigious Mandarin Oriental Hotel: a charity auction of Ornellaia special bottles, among the most famous Italian wines in the world. For the occasion, the Chinese artist Zhang Huan has created an artwork for the the Ornellaia estate, a steel sculpture bearing the likeness of Confucius, as well as artwork for 100 double magnums, 10 imperials and one salamazar with a superimposed oval sculpture of the philosopher. Zhang Huan is one of China’s best-known and controversial artists, often falling foul of the authorities for the challenging nature of his work. Collectors and lovers of make bid for 144,500 euros (60,000 euros only for the 10 Imperial), that will be donated to the Association “H2 Foundation for Arts and Education”. Art Curators of the project Ornellaia Vendemmia d’Artista are Mrs Maria Alicata and Mr Bartolomeo Pietromarchi. “The Vendemmia d’Artista project aims to re-establish the tradition and value of Renaissance artistic patronage in a modern key,” says Giovanni Geddes, CEO of Tenuta dell’Ornellaia. “Every year we commission a great artist to produce a work that captures the essence of the wine, the nature of the vintage, and its personality. In four editions of Ornellaia Vendemmia D’Artista we have raised over 600.000 Euros, just a small drop, but we are proud to have been able to contribute”. (Red)
