Bidding for a cause – Pangolin art auction a triumph at CIRCA gallery

August 5, 20243 Mins Read

Art enthusiasts and conservationists gathered on July 25 at the CIRCA Gallery in Rosebank for a unique and impactful fundraising event.

Abrey and Liz Wynne-Jones. Photo: NaziyaDavids-Easthorpe

The African Pangolin Working Group, in collaboration with Strauss & Co Art, curated an exceptional collection of pangolin-themed artworks, showcasing pieces from both established and emerging artists. The lineup included renowned names like John Moore, Steven Wilkinson, Douw van Heerden, Gillian Condy, Lin Barrie, and Gerbrand van Heerden, each bringing their distinct styles to raise awareness for this critical cause.

Pippa Ehrlich, multi award-winning director of My Octopus Teacher. Photo: Naziya Davids-Easthorpe

The auction drew attention to the dire situation of the pangolin, a species that has existed on Earth for 80 million years, surviving even the mass extinction event that led to the demise of the dinosaurs. Today, pangolins are encountering a new danger in the form of poaching. With one pangolin being poached every five minutes, they are the most trafficked mammals in the world, teetering on the edge of extinction.

Anton and Jill Schepers. Photo: Naziya Davids-Easthorpe

The African Pangolin Working Group, established in 2011, has been at the forefront of efforts to conserve and protect the continent’s four pangolin species. Their mission encompasses generating knowledge, fostering partnerships, and driving public awareness and education initiatives. The group’s work spans practical conservation projects and strategic management strategies across South Africa, Southern Africa, and West Africa.

The auction celebrated art and was a crucial fundraiser, supporting the group’s lifesaving work. The partnership with Strauss & Co Art, which generously donated their platform for the auction, was vital in raising significant funds. These proceeds will support ongoing efforts to ensure the survival of pangolins in the wild, a race against time with predictions of potential extinction within the next decade.

Art enthusiasts and conservationists admired pangolin-themed art. Photo: Naziya Davids-Easthorpe

The event was a great success, with lively bidding reflecting a strong appreciation for the art and a collective dedication to safeguarding one of the planet’s oldest and most endangered creatures.