Words by Smiley Team
2021 will bring a a major fundraising exhibition and auction in aid of Le Ciel Foundation, a UK-based charity dedicated to protecting indigenous knowl edge and acting as a trusted conduit between ancestral wisdom and western society.
Generously donated by artists and galleries from around the world, Wisdom and Nature features 54 artworks by 49 artists capturing experiences and perceptions of interconnectivity, the natural beauty of the planet, and the traditions of its communities.
Founded in 2016, Le Ciel Foundation’s mission is to create a global paradigm shift beneficial to all life. Working closely with indigenous community Elders, the Foundation translates and adapts ecological ancestral knowledge into practical purpose-driven initiatives, educational media con tent, solution-oriented events and collaborative models for wider modern society.
Funds raised from the auction will support Le Ciel Foundation’s ongoing education, inclusion and preservation initiatives including the Holistic Visions Symposium - a community of 144 innovators, investors and entrepreneurs from over 40 countries who work year round with indigenous Elders to address the fundamental tenets of a more balanced and ecological society.
Funds will also support the development of new educational tools and programmes for children and adults to learn from ancestral wisdom, as well as a global initiative for the restoration of sacred territories and the protection of guardian populations.
Artists featured in the exhibition include Adam Waymouth, Adrian Houston, Alexander Khimushin, Anouska Beckwith, Antonio Obá, Aranka Israni, Azza Fahmy, Brigida Baltar, Carlito Dalceggio, Cás sio Vasconcellos, Catalina Swinburn, Charlotte Leimer, Chloë Natalia & Christopher Ro.
The exhibition premiered at Christie’s New York in March 2020, and builds upon the success of the first edition of Wisdom and Nature in 2017, held across London, Paris and New York.
“This unique collection of artworks not only celebrates our planet and its communities, but also acts as a poignant reminder of the importance of ecological and cul tural preservation." Co-founder Jessie Balfour-Lynn said.
"The first edition of Wisdom and Nature enabled us to realise several significant projects, including a meeting of twelve wisdom tradition Elders at the United Nations in New York.
"We hope that through the heart-warming generosity and support from all those involved in this iteration, particularly that of the artists, we can continue to push for the protection of our world’s natural environments through the invaluable knowledge of its indigenous communities.”
