Kate Bush’s “Running Up That Hill” Inspires Art fundraiser for War Child
A powerful collaboration between iconic singer-songwriter kate Bush and 52 leading British artists is set to raise vital funds for War Child, providing aid to children impacted by global conflicts. The initiative, centered around bush’s 1985 hit “Running up That Hill,” will culminate in an online auction running from october 28th to November 13th, with artwork starting bids at £200.
Kate Bush, deeply moved by the plight of children in war zones, emphasized the devastating impact of conflict. “All wars leave horrific scars; ruined lives, families ripped apart, life-changing injuries, trauma, and loss on a massive scale – but it’s the children who suffer the most in so many ways,” Bush stated, emphasizing the urgency of supporting vulnerable populations. “Thier past, present and future melt away into fear and uncertainty.”
Among the prominent artists contributing to the fundraiser, titled Sound & Vision, are Maggi Hambling, known as the “original bad girl of art,” and Peter Doig, whose paintings have commanded millions at auction.Doig has contributed two signed pieces, The Hill, exploring the theme of the crucifixion, and Child of War, a depiction of a child observing a figure on horseback. hambling’s contribution is titled Midnight Wave.
The diverse roster of participating artists also includes Charlie Calder-Potts, Britain’s youngest female official war artist with experience in Afghanistan, Iran, Pakistan, Tajikistan, and Iraq; Corbin shaw, celebrated for their textiles and prints; Susie Hamilton, a former artist-in-residence at St Paul’s Cathedral; and Unskilled Worker (Helen Downie), a self-taught artist with a significant online following.
The exhibition, curated by Art on a Postcard and sponsored by DHL, will be on display at the Iconic images Gallery in Piccadilly, London, from November 4th to 8th. Additional contributors include LUAP, Hannah Lim, Kate McCrickard, Erin Lawlor, Gill Button, Adam Dix, David Harrison, Gideon Rubin, Boo Saville, shezad Dawood, and Natalia González Martín, with Peter Messer and Nick Grindrod returning from last year’s event. A photograph of Susie Hamilton’s contribution, And If I Only Could I’d Make a Deal With God, showcases the emotional depth of the project.
Bush’s involvement echoes the legacy of David Bowie, who similarly supported War Child by curating a fundraising exhibition, Little Pieces from Big Stars, in 1994. that exhibition served as the inspiration for the inaugural Sound & Vision event last year, which focused on Bowie’s lyric “We like dancing and we look divine” from his song “Rebel Rebel.”
According to the curator, Gemma Peppé, founder of Art on a Postcard, Bush’s lyric “prompted some great contemporary artists to produce some vibrant and evocative work.” She recounted Doig’s enthusiastic response, stating, “I nearly fell off my chair. That’s a testament to the great work War Child does.”
War Child UK is actively working in conflict zones worldwide, including Ukraine, Gaza, Sudan, and Syria. A representative from the association,Charlotte Nimmo,expressed gratitude for the initiative,stating,”We are delighted to announce that Sound & Vision is returning,this year inspired by lyrics from the remarkable Kate Bush. This is made possible thanks to the immense generosity of both Kate and her team, as well as the iconic artists that are creating and donating pieces inspired by Kate’s lyrics.”
The online auction will be hosted via Givergy from October 28th to November 13th, offering art enthusiasts a chance to acquire unique pieces while supporting a critical cause.
