New York, NY (OCTOBER 22, 2008)—
Raising over 3 million dollars, more than 1,100
prominent members in the art, fashion, media, business
communities turned out last night in support of the
Whitney Museum of American Art’s Gala and Studio Party
sponsored by Versace. Co-Chaired by Allison Kanders, Liz
Swig and Dontella Versace with special guest Patrick
Dempsey, the evening’s theme, Whitney-Past,
Present and Future, was a visual sensation with
inspired décor that fused high fashion and contemporary
art.
Beth Campell’s installation created for the Gala,
greeted guests as they arrived and served as the décor
inspiration for the evening conceptualized by David
Staerk Design. The installation reflected the evening’s
theme as well as Ms. Campbell’s exploration of the
psychological conception of one’s surroundings. Playing
with issues of repetition and memory, Ms. Campbell’s
recent installations have conjured uncanny trompe 1’oeil
effects suggestive of mirrors. Her witty use of
multiples and mirror images profoundly alter the
viewer’s perceptions, questioning the place of the
viewer in relation to the work as well as one’s
psychological reaction to space.
As part of the Whitney sponsorship, Versace collaborated
with world-renowned artists Julian Schnabel and Wangechi
Mutu to create two one-of-a-kind pieces of priceless
jewelry. The jewelry, produced for Versace, was on
display in the lobby and auctioned along with the signed
original sketches, by sealed bids coordinated by
Sotheby’s chairman, James G. Niven. Additionally, Marc
Quinn generously agreed to donate to The Whitney Museum
of American Art, a one-of-kind piece of jewelry produced
by Versace. His piece was also auctioned by sealed bids
at the end of the evening along with an original sketch
signed by the artist.
Julian Schnabel for Versace
Ceramic deity head pendant with black diamond eyes, ruby
lips, and gold foil appliqué hair. Pendant hangs from a
gold chain.
Marc Quinn for Versace
Gold lip pendant with ruby encrusted tongue. Pendant
hangs from a gold chain.
Wangechi Mutu for Versace
Pair of gold elbow length cuff bracelets.
“The Whitney Museum of American Art is an incredibly
respected and important institution,” says Donatella. “I
am excited about this collaboration as art has always
been part of the Versace DNA, and something personally
that has always inspired me in the creation of my
collections.”
After attending cocktails in the Robert J. Hurst Family
Gallery, guests ascended to the Emily Fisher Landau
Galleries for a three- course dinner catered by Glorious
Food and reveled in a high energy performance by Sting
in which he sang “Every Move You Make.” Notable guests
in attendance included:
Celebrities and Artists:
Sting and Trudie Styler, Christina Ricci, Mariah Carey
and Nick Cannon, Sean Avery, artists Julian Schnabel,
Wangechi Mutu, Cindy Sherman, Fred Schneider, Michael
Nouri, Beth Campbell, David Salle, Tara Donovan, Carroll
Dunham, Mark Fox, Rachel Howard, Charles LeDray,
Whitfield Lovell, Malcolm Morley, Lari Pittman, Ugo
Rondinone, Laurie Simmons, Rudolf Stingel, Lawrence
Weiner, Fred Wilson
and Terry Winters.
Whitney:
Director Adam Weinberg; Officers Neil Bluhm (Board
President), Robert Hurst and Brooke Neidich (Board
Co-Chairs); Trustees
Steven Ames, Anne Dias Griffin, Susan Hess, Warren
Kanders, Leonard Lauder, Ray McGuire, Steven Mnuchin,
Tom Tuft and Liz Swig.
Other notable guests include:
Evelyn Lauder, Charles and Betty Anne Gwathmey, Audrey
and Martin Gruss, Amanda Burden, Beth Rudin DeWoody,
Julie and Billy Macklowe, Heather Mnuchin, Mary Boone,
Marvin Hamlisch, Campion and Tatiana Platt,
John and Susan Gutfreund, Frederic and Shirin Fekkai,
Princess Gloria von Thurn und Taxis, Jane Holzer, Sari
Gueron and Bonnie Morrison.
The Studio Party, hosted by Matthew Brannon, Martin
Dawson, Amanda Hearst, Barbara and Andrew Mandell,
Leighton Meester, Dalia Oberlander, Christina Ricci,
Alexandra Richards, Arden Wohl and the Whitney
Artists Council began at 9pm and DJ Cassidy
entertained the vibrant crowd that danced the night away
and enjoyed a special performance by Nick Cannon. Guest
indulged in Ketel One Sugar-Plumtinis and Ketel One
Chocolate Martinis specially created for the Studio
Party. Notable guests in attendance included:
Byrdie Bell, Kipton Cronkite, Lydia Fenet, Zani
Gugelmann, Behnaz Sarafpour, Gilles Mendel,
Poppy Delevigne, Jane Krakowski, Katie Lee Joel,
Kiera Chaplin, Juliette Lewis, Emma Roberts, Helena
Christensen, Rose Bryne, Harry Josh, Lee Lee Sobleski,
Becki Newton and Hannah Soukupova.
The Whitney’s annual Gala supports the Museum’s ongoing
exhibition and educational programming. The Gala is the
most visible and prominent of the Museum’s fundraising
efforts, providing the essential funds needed to support
the latest achievements of emerging artists as well as
American masters.
THE WHITNEY
The Whitney Museum of American Art is the home of the
world’s preeminent collection of American art. Founded
in 1930 by Gertrude Vanderbilt Whitney, the institution
has remained committed to its mission of supporting
living American artists. Through its Permanent
Collection, traveling exhibitions, world-renowned
Biennials and innovative educational programs, the
Whitney facilitates exploration of the richness of
American art and culture throughout the world.
VERSACE
Gianni Versace SpA is one of the leading international
fashion design houses and a symbol of Italian luxury
worldwide. It designs, manufactures, distributes and
retails fashion and lifestyle products including
Atelier(Haute Couture), prêt-a-porter, accessories,
jewelry, watches, eyewear, fragrances, and home
furnishings all bearing the distinctive Medusa logo.
For more information on the Whitney Museum please
visit:
www.whitney.org