I am the official photographer for the Durham Symphony Orchestra, I had the interesting task of photographing some unusual art works. Each year, some very creative people take violins that have become unplayable (and are presumably not worth the repairs that would return them to playing condition) and transform these objects into visual feasts, flights of fancy that may tell us something about how the artist responds to music, or what he or she can imagine growing out of the original form of an instrument designed for its function.
These “painted violins” (and in some cases a lot more than paint is used to create the new piece) are donated and auctioned through the sale of raffle tickets. This helps to support the concerts played by the Durham Symphony.
Here are the four violins currently being auctioned by raffle ticket.

By classic photography

By behance.net

Ornately carved 17th century violin by Luther Ralph Agutter

By Julia Borden

By Kathryn de Marco