The internet auction of Franco Costa's America's Cup painting "Shosholoza" ends tomorrow, Wednesday. The proceeds will go to the Tygerberg Children's Hospital in Cape Town.
The famous Italian (portrait in YACHT 15/04) has immortalised the first South African cupper in acrylic on canvas (70x100 cm).
"In the past, I have supported the winner of the America's Cup seven times with my painted works," says the 73-year-old, who has also been active for the YACHT Handicap campaign in aid of disabled sailors.
"This is the first time I have painted for a challenger who finished 7th in the Louis Vuitton Cup. It was a great honour for me to capture the most popular America's Cup Challenger in my paintings. Team Shosholoza has brought heart and soul to the sport and I am happy to be back in the America's Cup."
Archbishop Desmond Tutu, the Nobel Peace Prize laureate, suggested that the proceeds from the auction be donated to the children's hospital.
During a visit to the Shosholoza team in Valencia, he drew attention to the work of the hospital, which specialises in infectious diseases such as tuberculosis and HIV/AIDS, as well as cancer, nervous system disorders and respiratory diseases.
The highest bid is currently 9,000 euros. You can participate by e-mail: franco.costa@shosholozapainting.com
Further information about the project and the auction can be found at www.teamshosholoza.com , interesting facts about the artist at www.franco-costa.de
