Damien Hirst’s “spin-painted” assault rifle led the charity auction yesterday at Phillips de Pury in London, which raised a total of $675,000, according to Bloomberg. The work, titled “Spin AK-47 for Peace One Day,” sold for $89,000, exceeding its high estimate of $57,000. All 24 lots in the auction sold.
The weapon was one of many rifles that were decomissioned and customized for “AKA Peace,” a project thought up by photographer and former army reservist Bran Symondson, who noticed the trend in Afghanistan of policemen adorning their weapons. The proceeds of the auction went to benefit Peace One Day, a charity that advocates for a global day of non-violence every Sept. 21. The Chapman Brothers’ contribution—characteristic sculptures of two young girls with penises affixed to their faces holding assault rifles—brought in $57,000 and $73,000, respectively.
