Turner Prize winning artist Damien Hirst has donated two brand new paintings on Guitars to be raffled to honour the 10th anniversary of Joe Strummer’s death, and support the music charity in his name, Strummerville. As a homage to the fantastic music The Clash left behind, Hirst has painted and modified a Fender Telecaster electric and an Eastwood acoustic guitar.
Similar in style to his previous work for the Red Hot Chilli Peppers guitar series, the electric guitar is decorated with the artist’s trademark spots in acrylic paint, whilst the unique acoustic piece employs a spin-painting technique using household gloss to achieve the end result.
Both pieces will be sold through an online public raffle, with all proceeds going towards Strummerville: The Joe Strummer New Music Foundation, which was set up in the singer’s memory by his friends and family following his untimely death.
Tickets are priced at £20 and can be purchased at: www.strummeroflove.com/raffle Tickets will also be available at £10 for punters at Strummer Of Love festival this summer, August 17-19.
The winning tickets will be drawn live on stage at the festival by former Clash guitarist Mick Jones on Sunday August 19.
The guitars will go on display to the general public in London at Other Criteria gallery in the run up to the festival.
Damien Hirst said: ‘I love Strummerville and have supported it since it started ten years ago as it gives kids and adults the opportunity and platform to create and record music for a wider audience. I hope that by donating these two guitars much needed funds can be raised to help carry on supporting the brilliant work they do.’
Strummer of Love, the Joe Strummer 10th Anniversary Festival, is a one-off opportunity to celebrate the life and legacy of Joe Strummer. All funds raised by the event will go directly towards helping Strummerville: The Joe Strummer Foundation for New Music, a registered charity set up in honour of one of music’s brightest lights. Strummerville’s capacity to continue its work will be greatly increased through the proceeds of the festival, which takes place in Somerset over the weekend of August 17, 18 and 19.
The 5,000-capacity festival will take place in an area of outstanding natural beauty in the Blackdown Hills and features a remarkable line up including The Pogues, Seasick Steve and Frank Turner. Mick Jones and the Justice Tonight Band will close the festival, in what will be a memorable and emotional set.
Alongside the great music on offer festival-goers can try their hand at crafts, unwind in the Healing Circle or spend time with the kids at Children’s World. A blazing campfire, which will burn for the duration of the festival, will ensure that Joe’s love of conversation, his passion for people and extraordinarily unifying spirit will be undeniably represented.
For more information and to purchase tickets please visit: www.strummeroflove.com