A portrait of Pakistani activist Malala Yousafzai -who was shot by the Taliban in 2012 for advocating for girls’ education- was auctioned off today at Christie’s in New York for $102,500. The proceeds will go to Nigerian charities focused on education and advocacy for girls and women.
The oil portrait -originally intitled “Girl Reading”- by British artists Jonathan Yeo depicts Malala doing homework. “I hope the painting reflects the paradox that someone with an enourmous power is at the same time vulnerable and young,” Yeo said.
The Malala Fund has created a special fund to help Nigerian girls after the kidnapping of over 200 schoolgirls by Islamist Group Boko Haram in the north of the country last month.
“I was shocked and saddened when I heard about the abduction of more than 200 girls by terrorists in Nigeria. I am very concerned about these innocent girls – my sisters –whose only crime was going to school and learning,” said Malala.
The painting auctioned off at Christie’s had a presale estimate of $60,000 to $80,000 but after a few minutes it was finally sold for $102,500.
buenosairesherald.com