Ruuby X Art Against Knives
In collaboration with Art Against Knives, the beauty app, Ruuby, hosted a preview and sale of exclusive prints and original artworks by established artists. The proceeds from the event goes to Art Against Knives – a creative charity supporting young people at risk of violent crime in London, and its collaborative project, IN OUR HANDS.
Exclusively invited by previous Condé Nast College summer course student, Annelies Keus, who is currently interning at Ruuby, I got to preview the art collection made by artists supporting the unique charity programme.
Art Against Knives is a charity aimed to reduce violent crime, supporting young people and their communities to enable lasting positive change. Their creative projects act to ensure they engage and intervene early to reduce the everyday risk faced by young people living in London’s most isolated communities.
The charity was formed in 2010 by Oliver Hemsley – a student from Central Saint Martin’s College of Art & Design – who was assaulted in an unprovoked attack in 2008, leaving him paralysed.
The IN OUR HANDS programme provides opportunity for young women to learn nail skills, socialise in a safe place and develop vital personal skills. As part of the project, Ruuby offers a 6-month course for women to change the direction of their lives through an accredited training and mentoring programme.
In 2019, the charity will have engaged and supported 329 young women across two community nail bars – 80% of which were identified as ‘at high risk’ or victims of violent crime.
The art presented during the evening were created by established artists, 10 of which were set in response to the theme ‘THE BRIGHTER THE BETTER’. These artists included Alec Doherty, Annu Kilpelainen, Archie Proudfoot, Camille Walala, Hattie Stewart, Margaux Carpentier, Poppy’s Papercuts and Jess Wilson.
Long Life in the Sunshine by Camille Walala
Camille Walala is uniquely known for her colourful digital art and tribal pop murals. She has become well-established after several collaborations with brands including Topshop, Alfa.K and Nintendo. Walala has also launched collections with the fashion brands, such as Goman and Caterpillar, reflecting her use of contrasting colours and patterns.
Hard at Work by Hattie Stewart
Hattie Stewart is a self-proclaimed ‘professional doodler’ and famously known for her illustrative work on magazine covers. Her work is experimental, cartoonish and colourful – responding well with her interpretation of the theme in her print ‘Hard at Work’.
Denim Jacket by Jess Wilson
Jess Wilson is a London-based illustrator and printmaker. Engaged in the fashion sphere – with clients as British Vogue, Uniqlo, Nike and Lacoste – Wilson is extremely creative and fashion conscious with her illustrative work. This is represented in her take on the theme, as she illustrated a denim jacket with playful badges and embroidery.
It was extraordinary to view each artist’s own interpretation of the theme, and how they remained true to their own authentic style of art.
The evening ended successfully with profits made to support a ‘better, brighter’ future for the young women in risk of violence – one manicure at a time.
View more of the artwork collection created for Art Against Knives here.