Artists from across Asia are taking part in a Beijing charity program to raise money for children affected by Japan's devastating natural disasters.

Love and Hope features an exhibition and sale of works by more than 80 artists from China, Japan and South Korea, including famous faces such as painter Chen Danqing and photographers Eikoh Hosoe and Bae Bien-U.

Among the 98 pieces up for grabs is an oil painting by Chen called Red Faced Farmer Worker.

"The organizer asked me to offer something, even just a lineal drawing," he said in an earlier interview. "I was so embarrassed offering just a drawing, so I gave them an oil painting."

The varied pieces will be displayed for free at the Iberia Center for Contemporary Art in the 798 Art Zone until May 15, alongside an exhibition of press photographs largely provided by Asahi Shimbun that show the aftermath of the earthquake and tsunami, as well as the ongoing relief efforts.

Visitor will be given a catalogue of the artworks on sale. Those who want to buy can tick a box and write down an offer higher than the suggested price given by organizers. The rule is: first come, first served.

For just 1,000 yuan, a collector can snap up a work called Imagine Piece created by Japanese musician and artist Yoko Ono, while those with deeper pockets can go for Chen's oil painting priced at 250,000 yuan.

Chinese artist Huang Rui, one of the organizers, told METRO that the suggested prices were agreed with the artists, with the principle being to offer the works for at least 10 percent below market value. All prices will be announced after the wholesale period is over, he added.

Proceeds will go to the Child Fund Japan (CFJ) through the SmileAngel Fund, a charity organization affiliated with the Red Cross Society of China. The CFJ will distribute the money to help affected children.

Inri, a Japanese artist based in Beijing, said many of her countrymen and women have been very moved and exhilarated by Love and Hope. Some even voluntarily pledged to take part in the sale, she said.

"This is not only an independent and quick action, but also a pure-hearted one," said Huang. "Our intention is obvious.

"As well as offering a hand to people affected by the disasters, we want to remind those who are now enjoying a happy and painless life outside of Japan that in the face of disaster you should never just stand by."

China Daily

(China Daily 05/10/2011)