Artist Jacques D’Auteuil and Montecito’s Maiani Gallery will be donating the entire sale of the sculpture “YoMan” to the Santa Barbara Red Cross Haitian Relief Effort. “YoMan” is currently on display at the Maiani Gallery with a price tag of $4,250. When it is sold, “YoMan” will not only provide a substantial donation for the Red Cross but will give the buyer an esteemed piece of art, representative of a noble cause.
The piece was inspired by the movie The Soloist, and Jamie Foxx’s depiction of a homeless musical genius living in Los Angeles. D’Auteuil said that he was moved and captivated by the sidewalk world represented in the film, and enticed to try to understand it. He was particularly affected by the objects the homeless hold on to. “In the film the shopping cart is their everything,” said D’Auteuil, explaining his use of stainless steel in the piece. He put blue lights behind the eyes so that despite the longing and sadness in his face, “’YoMan’ still has awakened eyes,” said D’Auteuil.
“When I saw the homelessness, degradation, and devastation on the news, I wanted to know what I could do,” says D’Auteuil. He appealed to the Maiani Gallery to help with promotion and got their enthusiastic support. Patrik Maiani, one of the gallery’s owners, said that the gallery would be contributing space, promotion, energy, and time. He lavished praise on D’Auteuil for donating his work. “Jacques is one of the most giving and generous people I have met in a long time,” Maiani said. “When someone gives up a percentage it is great, but to give everything is amazing.”
D’Auteuil said the “YoMan” piece meant a great deal to him when he created it but now that it will, he hopes, benefit such an important mission, it carries even more meaning for him. He explained that his primary aim is to inspire others to give to the cause. According to Maiani, it is this open heart of D’Auteuil’s that makes him a “true artist.”
“YoMan” can be viewed and purchased at Maiani Gallery, 1269 Coast Village Road, Montecito. Contact (805) 969-0300 or maianigallery.com