On Tuesday, the New Museum celebrated its 40th Anniversary and Spring Gala honoring artist Chris Ofili. The museum’s Director Lisa Phillips, Artistic Director Massimiliano Gioni, and President James Keith Brown hosted the night at Cipriani Wall Street. Chaired by Shelley Fox Aarons, Mitzi Eisenberg, Charlotte Feng Ford, and Susan Feinstein, the night was sponsored by Sotheby’s and included a salute to its first curator Allan Schwartzman and toast to Saul Dennison, New Museum President & Chairman from 1999-2017.
Over 530 guests gathered, dressed in tuxes and trainers, enjoying a special art auction including work by Klara Lidén, Marisa Merz, and Ryan Trecartin led by Simon de Pury. A DJ set by MICK provided the musical atmosphere, complemented by over-the-top tropical florals by Tin Can Studios. Attendees like David Adjaye, Charles Atlas, Jacob Banks, George Condo, John Currin and Rachel Feinstein, Simon de Pury, Marcel Dzama, Nicole Eisenman, Renée Fleming, Massimiliano Gioni and Cecilia Alemani, dream hampton, Josh Kline, Jeff Koons, Simone Leigh, Glenn Ligon, Maya Lin, Brice and Helen Marden, Marilyn Minter, Chris Ofili, Raymond Pettibon, Bill Powers & Cynthia Rowley, Ugo Rondinone, Allan Schwartzman, Julian Schnabel, Cindy Sherman, Michael Stipe, Sarah Sze, Mickalene Thomas, Stefano Tonchi, Yvonne Force Villareal, Darren Walker, John Waters, Jack Whitten, T.J. Wilcox, and David Zwirner, were also treated to a performance by Jacob Banks.
Photo by Leandro Justen/BFA.com
