A Famous Black Lives Matter Image Will Make Its Auction Debut at Sotheby’s

Photographer Misan Harriman is scheduled to make his debut at Sotheby’s auction house early next month after gaining acclaim for his foray of powerful black and white photographs of demonstrators during London’s Black Lives Matter events in June.

Harriman — who became the first black male photographer to film the cover of Vogue in his 104-year history last month — will appear for the first time at the London auction house with his picture entitled: Why is Ending Racism and Debate? Set to be viewed at Sotheby’s London from 11-14 October, the image is simultaneously offered at an online auction with an estimate of between 3,000 – 5,000 (approximately $3,800 – $6,400 USD).

It is being sold for the profit of blood cancer charity Anthony Nolan, a cause that is dear to Harriman ‘s heart. This is the first time that an artist’s work has ever been put for sale, at auction or beyond, and therefore offers a rare opportunity to take photos of one of the biggest names working in photography today.

Why is the end of racism a debate? First came viral after Edward Enninful, Dina Asher-Smith, Lewis Hamilton and Martin Luther King III all posted the picture in their respective Instagram accounts. Captured outside the U.S. Embassy in London, the photo itself shows 18-year-old England U21 hockey player Darcy Bourne — who at that time was unknown — with a handmade sign she had just painted.

You can keep up-to-date with the auction via the Sotheby website at https://www.sothebys.com/en/