LONDON.- Model and social entrepreneur Elisa Sednaoui Dellal and academic and patron Alia Al-Senussi – both passionate advocates of art’s ability to empower – are set to bring a fresh perspective to this autumn’s edition of Contemporary Curated at Sotheby’s in London.

The duo are prominent members of the Contemporary Art world across multiple continents and, as guest curators of Sotheby’s forthcoming sale, have together hand-picked a personal edit of compelling artworks that resonate with them. Artists featured include Antony Gormley, Monir Farmanfarmaian, Georg Baselitz and Basim Magdy, to name a few.

Philanthropy runs through all that Elisa and Alia do, and elsewhere in the sale, ten works will be offered to benefit the Elisa Sednaoui Foundation’s Funtasia project. The non-profit organisation provides access to innovative, hands-on creative learning experiences, offering a variety of programs to children and professional development to adults. During the exhibition, Sotheby’s will also host a panel discussion, with the guest curators, on the topic of philanthropy, social entrepreneurship and art.

Their selected works will be placed on public exhibition from 15 – 18 November in Sotheby’s New Bond Street galleries, ahead of the auction on 19 November.

Elisa Sednaoui Dellal said: “Art is an incredibly powerful tool which cultivates minds and hearts, opening up the imagination and nurturing the soul. What I am passionate about is creating safe learning spaces, where individuals have the opportunity to explore personal interests, learn fundamental life skills, widen their perspective and deepen their awareness. This openness is reflected in my selection, which was undoubtedly also influenced by my upbringing as a citizen of the world with roots in France, Italy and the Middle East.”

Alia Al-Senussi said: “Every work of art can tell a million different stories, and every person has the freedom to discover what that can mean to them. Ultimately, it is about what speaks to you when you stand in front of it, and that entirely personal moment of magic, when a painting takes on a new depth of significance so far beyond its material existence. There is also an aspect of community to our work together, for ESF and for this collaboration, and I hope that people enjoy the pieces that I have fallen in love with during this process. I was recently able to visit the birthplace of Funtasia, in Luxor, on the edge of the Valley of the Kings and Queens. Experiencing the community built by Funtasia first-hand was magical. It changed my life in one afternoon, and I can only imagine what it does for the countless children that are there every week.”