PAUL DU TOIT FOR LUNCHBOX

Fostering education via nutrition, The Lunchbox Fund is a non-profit organization dedicated to providing a daily meal for impoverished and at-risk students in South African township high schools. Founded in 2005 The Lunchbox Fund has already garnered the support of a myriad of world-leaders, including Archbishop Desmond Tutu and Bill Clinton.

The simple gift of providing each child with a nutritious meal makes a significant difference in school performance and attendance rates, which in turn reduces the risk of HIV infection, abuse and/or unwanted pregnancy. With a keen eye on sustainability, The Lunchbox Fund now initiates organic food gardens into their sites. Vegetables incorporated into school meals help to boost children’s nutrition, stamina and immune systems.

In New York in February, contemporary artist Paul du Toit was selected by The Lunchbox Fund to participate in a fundraiser to be held in New York the following month. A hand-picked selection of world-famous artists, celebrities and newsmakers were asked create one-of-a-kind artist books, which were auctioned on March 21. As one of only three high profile South Africans invited to participate, Du Toit collaborated with Archbishop Tutu and their book was exhibited at Pace Prints, New York. Proceeds of the funds raised will be donated to the Lunchbox Foundation.

The brainchild of Topaz Page-Green, renowned NY-based South African model and founder of this NPO, has brought together this unique concept of the one-of-a-kind works of art, combining various forms of mixed media. The books range from a limited edition cookbook with recipes by Chef Mario Batali and linocuts created by artist Jim Dine; to a photo album of 10 prints of John Lennon and Yoko Ono by rock photographer Bob Gruen, handpicked and individually inscribed by Ono; to an original short story by Salman Rushdie with illustrations by Francesco Clemente; to a handwritten score by composer Philip Glass.

Privileged by the opportunity to work with such an historic figure, artist Paul du Toit commented, “Collaborations are always interesting and I love them because people bring different ideas to the project and then interpret them in such a way that it just works somehow. So people can expect a unique work of art in every sense.” Du Toit took his inspiration from the Archbishop’s quotes written on unique vintage paper and has used a technique called wood-cutting. He comments, “Rather than making drawings I wanted to create something extra special and extend the project. For me it had to say at first glance that this is from South Africa and reflect an ancient timeless book.

Selected works of art formed part of a live auction directed by noted auctioneer Lydia Fenet of Christies at the Lunchbox Fund event on March 21. The remaining works were part of a silent auction and global online bidding at lunchboxfundbookfair.com

Contributors include Archbishop Desmond Tutu illustrated by Paul Du Toit, Sir Ben Kingsley, photographer Bob Gruen and Yoko Ono, Chuck Close, Deepak Chopra, Hugh Masekela, Mario Batali with illustrations by Jim Dine, Michael Stipe, An original score by Philip Glass, Salman Rushdie with illustrations by Francesco Clemente, Sting, Tony and Kelsey Bennett, Photographer Mick Rock and Shepard Fairey

For more information visit www.thelunchboxfund.org