T.A.F. / the art foundation presents Dead Darlings’ anonymous art auction. An interactive art event that combines elements of performance and exhibition in the form of an unconventional auction. This is the first edition that will take place in Greece in collaboration with Cream Athens. The event consists of a public preview exhibition opening on Thursday 14 December 2023 and a live auction on Sunday 17 December 2023.

The name Dead Darlings was inspired by the phrase “kill your darlings”. This refers to a work that an artist has created, yet for any variety of reasons, was not yet brought to light. Perhaps it was too experimental, too complicated, too personal, too atypical. Whatever it is that makes this piece a dead darling, means that it’s place in the artist’s oeuvre is ambiguous and valuation is difficult…

That’s where Dead Darlings come in, to breathe new life into those special artworks! These are works that would not normally be presented for sale and therefore are offered here by the artists at symbolically low starting prices. They aim to highlight and consider works that would otherwise remain in the shadows, and bypass market standards, giving people who would not ordinarily be able to afford an original artwork the chance to salvage one of these darlings. Dead Darlings view it as a generous act of letting go and as an act of inclusion.

Bidders give value to the works on their own terms, regardless of the prominence or obscurity of their maker. The auction is held in an informal and casual atmosphere where the formality of the auction format is reproduced, and satirized in equal measure.

Exhibition Opening and Auction Preview: 14.12.23 | 19.00 — 23.00

Exhibition Open to Visitors: 15.12.23 & 16.12.23 | 15.00 — 23.00

Dead Darlings Auction: 17.12.23 | 17.00 — 20.30 *Doors Open: 15.00