Previews: Christie’s x Murakami “Tohoku-Pacific Earthquake Benefit” Auction

On Friday, November 9th, Christie’s will partner with Takashi Murakami and Kaikai Kiki Co., Ltd. to provide support for the victims of the March 11, 2011 Tohoku-Pacific earthquake in Japan by dedicating a special section of a forthcoming New York auction to the continuing relief effort. Proceeds from the sale – expected to reach $5 million – will be contributed to The Sasakawa Peace Foundation, Global Giving, and International Medical Corps, providing relief to the survivors of the catastrophe. In addition to the works made by some of the biggest names in contemporary art – including Zeng Fanzhi, Mark Grotjahn, Damien Hirst, Thomas Houseago, KAWS, Jeff Koons, Friedrich Kunath, Mr., Takashi Murakami, Yoshitomo Nara, Gabriel Orozco, Anselm Reyle, Cindy Sherman, Aya Takano, and Luc Tuymans – each personally selected by Murakami, Oscar-nominated actor Ken Watanabe will be on hand to open the sale with the reading of a Japanese poem selected especially for the occasion. Gagosian Gallery will host a preview of the work from Wednesday, October 26th to Friday, October 28th at their Madison Avenue space in New York.

Check out a preview of the impressive selection of works to be auctioned after the jump.