The art world came together last week in Beverly Hills to attend the first night of a two day benefit Artists VS Big Oil, a charity event hosted by actress and environmental activist Jane Fonda in collaboration with Gagosian and Christie’s Los Angeles. The first night of the event was aimed at using art as a bridge to support the protesting of oil drilling in California communities. The gala featured works from various artists, speeches on the importance of protecting at risk communities, and performances from artists like John Legend.
Partnering with Gagosian and Christie’s Los Angeles, Fonda held the event at Gagosian’s LA gallery. The evening was geared towards attendees bringing awareness to protecting neighborhoods from toxic oil drilling in the fight against Big Oil. The proceeds from the event were put towards supporting the coalition Campaign for a Safe & Healthy California, which aims to protect communities being impacted by invasive drilling.
Big oil companies such as Chevron, Exxon Mobil, and ConocoPhillips, have deemed certain California communities as “sacrifice zones,” which essentially gives the green light for oil drilling near schools, hospitals, and across local neighborhoods. Doctors, nurses, and communities of color are often the most affected in these areas. In 2022, a bill was passed to block drilling in residential neighborhoods, but Big Oil companies are trying to overturn the law, named SB 1137. Campaign for a Safe & Healthy California’s mission is to protect Californians from the health hazards caused from toxic drilling and to prevent oil wells from being placed in residential areas. The grassroots team works to safeguard communities and California families.
The art world has been working to expand its environmental efforts, and Fonda’s collaboration with Gagosian and Christie’s is just the latest example of the way the arts are working to create tangible change within environmental spaces. The auction included 30 works from 30 artists, including UPS DOWNS, 2023, by Ed Ruscha, and Still Life with Triumeq, Turnips, Eggplant & a Red Rose by Joey Terrill, as well as works by Frank Gehry, Catherine Opie, Alex Israel, Kenny Scharf, Jonas Wood, Marilyn Minter, and many others.
“I am thrilled to be able to use my love of art to propel the fight against climate injustice while simultaneously uplifting the work of these talented and generous artists,” Fonda said in a statement. “I am so fortunate to have Larry Gagosian and his LA team, in addition to the team at Christie’s, by my side as we continue to pursue a safer and healthier California.”
The second night of the benefit will be held in May, where the remainder of the pieces will be sold at auction through Christie’s. Gagosian will also continue selling the exhibition through this summer.
‘Art for a Safe and Healthy California’ is a benefit exhibition and auction presented by Jane Fonda, Gagosian, and Christie’s to support Campaign for a Safe and Healthy California. A selection of works will be auctioned in the Christie’s Post-War and Contemporary Art Day Sale during their marquee sale week in May, while another group of works will be presented for sale in an exhibition in summer 2024 at the Beverly Hills gallery.