What am I bid for a blown-up van? The bizarre art auction aiming to build an eco power station in Reform-held Clacton
They blew up a van full of banknotes. They sold high-end Ukrainian vodka to Selfridges. Now art duo Hilary Powell and Dan Edelstyn are auctioning their past works – to launch their most ambitious project to date
TL;DR
- Artists Hilary Powell and Dan Edelstyn are auctioning their past works to fund a community-led renewable power station in Clacton.
- The auction includes a sculpture made from the remnants of a blown-up Ford Transit van filled with fake banknotes, valued at around £100,000.
- The project is a form of 'Method Art,' where the artists' actions directly create change rather than just representing ideas.
- The power station initiative is a response to reports claiming Reform UK has received significant funding from oil and gas interests.
- The artists previously established a community-owned solar power station in London's Waltham Forest.
- Proceeds from the auction will fund the setup work in Clacton and the production of a film about the project.