The New Museum’s Spring Gala, which honored artists John Giorno, Ugo Rondinone, and New Museum trustee Toby Devan Lewis, kicked off Monday with more than 500 guests in attendance.
Sponsored by DKNY, the event took place at Spring Studios on Varick Street in New York. The evening’s rainbow theme was inspired by Rondinone’s artwork Hell, Yes!, a colorful installation that decorated the museum’s exterior when it first opened its new building in Bowery nine years ago.
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Throughout the evening, the honorees were praised by museum Director Lisa Phillips, artistic director Massimiliano Gioni, and board member J.K. Brown. Guest-of-honor, Giorno, surprised the crowd with an impromptu poem while sharing his memories spanning more than 50 years during his time at the Bowery.
During the evening, works by Rashid Johnson, Albert Oehlen, Elizabeth Peyton, and Wolfgang Tillmans were auctioned off by Simon De Pury. The event raised a total of $2 million in proceeds toward the nonprofit institution and supporting its world-renowned program.
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