Words and photos by Fraser Morton
This was no ordinary event. On Saturday night in a quiet corner of Singapore in the gardens of 28 Fevrier a man stood addressing a crowd of friends. He gave a speech that touched the hearts of the assembled group. He told a story about Autumn Radtke, his American girlfriend who died aged just 28 in February this year in Singapore.
The Excursions: On the Road was the name of the event. A charity art auction in the belly of 28 Fevrier’s British colonial house, followed by live music performances, fire dancing and readings of tributes about Autumn.
The man was Daniel Pohlod, 30. His words captured the mood of the night. “This event was about celebrating Autumn’s life. She was a very special person who genuinely cared about people. It wasn’t about the amount of money we could raise for charity. It was about remembering her in a way she would have loved.”
Autumn was the former CEO of FirstMeta Exchange here in Singapore. Originally from Wisconsin, US, she had spent her life at top companies and travelling the world. She moved to the Lion City in early 2012.
As a result of Saturday’s event, 25 pieces of art now hang in the homes of people throughout Singapore. Her memory will echo through each canvas and photograph and touch all who lay eyes upon them. This was one sentiment why many artists on the night felt the urge to donate.
The near 20,000 SGD that was raised in her memory will also reach even more lives, namely of underprivileged women in Bali, through foundation BaliWISE. They provide education and life skills for disadvantaged and maligned Indonesian women.
BaliWISE CEO Mike O’Leary said the months of hard work by The Excursions team would make a big difference in the lives of the foundation’s students.
“With the donation we hope to produce a lasting legacy for Autumn with the creation of a new library and IT lab that will allow women from disadvantaged communities across Bali the chance to gain skills vital for better careers and better lives.”
Canadian artist Billy Ma, 48, was there on the night. Based in Singapore for six years his work is sought after all over Asia. His piece Gunz and God, part of his Hypocrisy in Democracy series, was one of the pieces sold with a minimum bid of 1,000 SGD.
He said while he didn’t know Autumn personally, donating felt right. “One of the things I love to do if I can is donate art. And this was a lovely event. A great venue and amazing to see how many people Autumn had obviously touched in her life.”
Prashant Ashoka, 25, was one of the photographers who donated two beautiful pieces. Terra Incognita and Landmannalaugar was a pair of striking mono shots from Iceland. Both sold on the night. He was also a very close friend of Autumn’s. “It felt like something she would have loved to have been a part of. She would have been very touched by it. She was luminescent – genuinely interested in everyone she met. It was an incredible tribute to her.”
As dancers breathed huge fireballs into the night, lighting up the façade of 28 Fevrier and musicians sang their last note, new friendships formed. Autumn’s group grew a little that night, as people who didn’t know her got to hear her story and buy art in her honour. And in that small verdant corner of Singapore, the star of the event managed posthumously to do what she did in life – bring people together.
And what better way to end a tribute than from her father, Robin Radtke about the event. From the US, he wrote.
“I would like to extend a special thank you to Daniel Pohlod, Ashraf Razaque, Tina Fung, Winona Tan, Stephanie Bovis and to everyone else whose hard work has made this evening possible. Your efforts directly reflect your love for Autumn. To Prashant Ashoka and all the artists for their generosity. We are truly at our best when we are in the service of others. Finally thank you to all for celebrating Autumn’s life, a very special life. My heart is with you now. I know Autumn is there and she is smiling. Peace to all. You have my heart felt gratitude.”
The Excursions organizers also wish to extent a special thanks to all the artists and performers, including Imaginator Studios, Tropic Lab, Brown Brothas, Radikal Forze, Non-aligned and everyone else who made the night possible.
Autumn you’re interstellar, among the stars.
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