This past weekend, a worldwide collective of DJs, artists and philanthropists came together in Ibiza for a special charity art auction to benefit critically endangered species. Music Against Animal Cruelty, a non-profit organization with the simple directive to aid in wildlife conservation through the medium of music, along with artist and activist Robyn Ward hosted an exclusive art auction with Robyn’s iconic ‘Plastic Nation’ collection.
Guests who attended the event were treated to sets by some of the world’s most in-demand DJs, including Music Against Animal Cruelty ambassador Lauren Lane and guest performances from MK and Senzela. Pieces from the Irish artist Robyn Ward’s thought provoking ‘Plastic Nation’ collection were auctioned to raise money for the charity.
The world’s wildlife is facing a global crisis. 90% of the world’s rhinos have been lost in the last 40 years, 97% of the tiger population is gone since the year 1900 and up to 30,000 elephants are slaughtered for their ivory each year. The illegal wildlife trade is estimated to be worth over $15 billion per year. At the present rate, 20% of the world’s species could be extinct in the next 30 years. Music Against Animal Cruelty was set up to prevent more species from going extinct by exploring how musicians can serve as a catalyst for change and create a vital source of income for international wildlife conservation projects through global music events.
Artist Robyn Ward’s ‘Plastic Nation’ collection forces audiences to confront ecological damage by bringing them face to face with large-scale paintings of the animals that our actions are endangering. He takes inspiration from the world around him, painting each series of work in different studio locations across the world. “The body of work is titled ‘Plastic Nation’, as it explores society’s use of plastic, pollution and how much we are destroying our natural habitat,” he said. “The body of work is mixed media, with a heavy oil subject - infusing realism and abstract worlds to create my own language.”
Proceeds from the auction of ‘Plastic Nation’ will be disseminated between two causes, which will be determined by followers and friends of Music Against Animal Cruelty and their ambassadors. The five wildlife missions shortlisted are:
Stopping the Yulin Dog Meat Festival in China.
Safeguarding the critically endangered Gorilla of Central Africa.
Protecting the Orangutan from deforestation and extinction.
Preserving the last Snow Leopards of the Eastern Himalaya.
Fight against the illegal trade of tiger bone in Asia.
You can help raise awareness and generate support for the Earth’s dwindling biodiversity by following Music Against Animal Cruelty on social media where the group plans to announce voting information shortly.
Written by: Laura Tenenbaum