World Renowned Artist Damien Hirst and Harley-Davidson Come Together For A One-Of-A-Kind Collaboration For Angel Art Auction

The world’s most expensive living artist Damien Hirst has revealed an unusual canvas for his creative talent. His Spin Harley is a fully functioning Harley-Davidson® Softail® Cross Bones™ motorcycle which has been customised by the artist himself. The motorcycle along with two Hirst customised helmets, donated by Harley-Davidson, will be auctioned off at the contemporary art auction, Angel Art, at Creative Artists Agency in Los Angeles on April 23rd 20:00 PCT (12:00 BST). Proceeds will be donated to the charity Project Angel Food which provides meals to people homebound or disabled by HIV / AIDS, Cancer, and other life-threatening illnesses, and it counts major Hollywood stars in its committee such as Naomi Watts, Salma Hayek and Tobey Maguire.

Given Hirst’s reputation, this one-of-a-kind motorcycle could soon become the world’s most expensive motorcycle. At a Sotheby’s auction in September 2008, Damien Hirst sold a number of his works, raising a record breaking amount of €130 million. His sculpture For the Love of God – a platinum cast of a human skull encrusted with 8601 flawless diamonds – sold for £50 million in 2007 (c. €74 million in 2007). As this work is unprecedented, bids are expected to sail beyond $100.000, with an opening bid at $25,000.
Using multiple vibrant hues, Hirst applied his Spin-painting technique, which employs centrifugal force as paint is poured, to individual parts of the old-school style, Cross Bones™ motorcycle. The visually-dynamic parts were then reassembled into this one-of-a-kind work; two Spin-painted Harley-Davidson® helmets are included.

"We’ve already had an unparalleled amount of interest from not only local bidders but many oversees art and Harley-Davidson® enthusiasts," said Margaret Steele, Project Angel Food CEO "If the initial interest is anything to go by, the bidding for this unique bike could be very exciting. Damien and Harley-Davidson have kindly collaborated to produce this stunning work and we hope to raise as much money as possible for our life-saving meals."

"Damien follows other Harley-Davidson® owners who are all passionate about customising their bikes in their own unique way to create personal works of art" said Matt Knott, PR and Media Communications Manager, Harley-Davidson Europe. "Damien has perhaps taken this to a whole new level! We’re happy to have been able to donate the Softail® Cross Bones™ motorcycle for such a worthy cause and we hope it’s successful in raising money for Project Angel Food."

The motorcycle will be auctioned among other donated works by renowned artists. To view Angel Art lots, visit www.angelartauction.com. Absentee & Phone bidding from bidders around the world welcome. To bid by Absentee or Phone-in during the auction, please call 323.436.5059 to set-up.