What do you get when you mix balloon dog cookies, caviar bumps, and sweeping Bel Air views? The ultimate Los Angeles evening, of course.
Monday night, CULTURED's Editor-in-Chief Sarah Harrelson and Grazka Taylor co-hosted one such cocktail reception at the home of the art collector and award-winning producer. The event was produced by Vajra Kingsley and Joshua Geyer, with support from Blue Rider Group, P/S, Risk Strategies, and UOVO. There, guests celebrated Los Angeles’s vibrant art scene and the unveiling of Japanese artist Yoshitomo Nara's latest sculpture all while raising funds for the Grief and Hope organization.
Known for his evocative and instantly recognizable figures, Nara's new work fit right in alongside other pieces by Barbara Kruger and Jeff Koons at Taylor’s striking home. Gathering poolside, attendees—including Nara himself, Michael Werner's Gordon VeneKlasen, collector Sonya Yu, and gallerist Tim Blum—discussed the new piece; the upcoming edition of Frieze LA, which kicks off the city's art week; as well as Nara's currently running "My Imperfect Self" show at Blum.
In one night, the event succeeded in collecting $10,000 for Grief and Hope to benefit artists impacted by the city’s recent wildfires. Going forward, proceeds from Nara’s collaborative merchandise with FireAid will further support LA artists, as well as a few items from Blum, exclusively available in person at the gallery's LA and Tokyo locations.
