The 23rd Annual Watermill Center Benefit and Auction
By Sara Head
Above, beginning top left, clockwise: Martyna Szczesna, Lovis Ostenrik, Martyna Szczesna, Maria Baranova, courtesy of The Watermill Center.
This past weekend marked the 23rd Annual Watermill Center Benefit & Auction, bringing in over $1 million to support the Center’s year-round Artist Residency and Education Programs. The program, entitled FADA: HOUSE OF MADNESS, featured the work of Watermill’s International Summer Program participants and boasted its largest attendance yet. Among the 1,000 guests were 130 artists representing 28 countries from around the globe.
Ryan Kobane, courtesy of The Watermill Center
The grandiose event consisted of an impressive collection of performances, installations, and pieces. The eight-and-a-half acre grounds were populated with diverse artistic contributions from a variety of notable individuals and groups, including Jacques Reynaud and ANOHNI, artist collective Bruce High Quality Foundation, Pussy Riot, and fine jewelry retailer Plukka. The event culminated in a live auction hosted by Simon de Pury, as well as a silent auction featuring over 125 donated lots from artists such as Marina Abramović, Donald Baechler, Michael Bailey-Gates, Humberto & Fernando Campana, Francesco Clemente, Paul Cowan, Michael Dweck, Maximilian Eicke, Max Gimblett, Gregory de la Haba, Nir Hod, Inez van Lamsweerde & Vinoodh Matadin, Annie Leibovitz, Peter Lindbergh, Kalup Linzy, Emilia & Ilya Kabakov, Terence Koh, Susan Meiselas, Sarah Meyohas, G.T. Pelizzi, Enoc Perez, Kembra Pfahler, Randy Polumbo, Ruby Sky Stiler, Henry Taylor and Dustin Yellin.
Zach Hilty, courtesy of The Watermill Center
The Watermill Center, founded by Robert Wilson in 1992, serves as a laboratory for emerging artists through its Residency and Education Programs, as well as a venue for a large variety of exhibitions and programs throughout the year. This year, the Center honors Madame Giancarla Berti for her incredible contributions and support.
Zach Hilty, courtesy of The Watermill Center
Article © Sara Head
