The Cure's Robert Smith auctions artworks inspired by 'Songs Of A Lost World' for Heart Research UK

[Serendipia]

 

The iconic voice behind The Cure, Robert Smith, is wielding brushes alongside his legendary microphone in a touching philanthropic endeavor. As the influential British band celebrates the release of their first studio album in 16 years, Songs of a Lost World (released November 1), Smith has created five distinctive artworks for Heart Research UK's anonymous heART project, transforming musical emotions into visual poetry.

 

In this remarkable initiative, Smith's pieces join a collection of 576 postcard-sized artworks in a unique online auction where artists' identities remain secret until after purchase. His contributions draw direct inspiration from the new album's tracks: Drone:Nodrone, I Can Never Say Goodbye, All I Ever Am, and A Fragile Thing. The fifth piece stands as a loving tribute to The Cure's legacy, featuring a collage incorporating album artwork from classics like Disintegration, The Head On The Door, Pornography, and Three Imaginary Boys, alongside their latest release.

This marks a significant milestone in The Cure vocalist's relationship with Heart Research UK, where he serves as a patron. The anonymous heART project rekindled his passion for painting in 2019, ending a three-decade hiatus from visual arts. His previous contributions have generated nearly £50,000 for the charity's vital research initiatives.

 

The auction has attracted an impressive roster of creative minds, including Julian Opie, renowned for Blur's iconic Blur: The Best Of album cover, along with the Levellers' Jeremy Cunningham and Scottish band The Twilight Sad.

 

Heart Research UK's Chief Executive, Kate Bratt Farrar, expressed profound gratitude for Smith's unwavering support, highlighting how his involvement has significantly advanced their mission to combat heart disease. "His contributions over the last five years have had an incredible impact," she noted, emphasizing the project's role in both fundraising and artistic inspiration.

 

This initiative follows Smith's recent charitable endeavor involving specially designed Shellflower Ultracure guitars for cancer research, showcasing his dedication to meaningful change through art. 

 

The auction will remain open until November 10, 2024, and fans can join the bidding on eBay.

 

• https://www.nme.com/news/music/robert-smith-is-auctioning-artwork-he-made-inspired-by-songs-of-a-lost-world-for-heart-research-uk-3810119
• https://www.euronews.com/culture/2024/10/04/the-cures-robert-smith-auctioning-new-artwork-for-uk-heart-charity

 

Image: Fabio Diena | Dreamstime.com