Issue No. 28 – Control

What is the nature of control? The desire for it—and to be free of it—are essential parts of both life and art.

Art Out: LongHouse Reserve Summer Benefit 2019

Art Out: LongHouse Reserve Summer Benefit 2019

Ariel Gordon and Nicholas D. Lowry of Swann Gallerie at the cocktail party. © Federica Belli

Ariel Gordon and Nicholas D. Lowry of Swann Gallerie at the cocktail party. © Federica Belli

Photographs and article by Federica Belli.

As soon as one steps into the LongHouse Reserve property, a magical atmosphere somehow replaces the calm and uniquely exotic feel of the East Hamptons area. Wonderfully curated gardens and scenic water basins make the perfect background for pieces of art guaranteed to take your breath away. Such a setting is a promising premise when organizing an event like the Summer Benefit.

© Federica Belli

© Federica Belli

The yearly appointment gathers some of the most prominent figures in the international art scene, having the main purpose of raising funds in support of education programs held in the Reserve while celebrating the vision of a selection of creative minds. The 2019 art auction specifically praises the vision of the renowned film-maker Julian Schnabel, the mind behind the screenwriting and direction of the masterpiece At Eternity’s Gate, while applauding Donna Karan, eclectic designer and philanthropist.

Max Pine and his wife going through the art auction catalogue. © Federica Belli

Max Pine and his wife going through the art auction catalogue. © Federica Belli

Ken Miller in front of his painting. © Federica Belli

Ken Miller in front of his painting. © Federica Belli

The cocktail party atmosphere. © Federica Belli

The cocktail party atmosphere. © Federica Belli

As if the magnificent expression of nature in the garden was not enough to leave any guest speechless, the organizers of the Summer Benefit plan every detail in order to make sure that the night turns out to be unforgettable: each visitor is guided to the art auction through a rose-petals surrounded path, as birds chirp in the sunset light. With pieces ranging from Horst P. Horst photographs to Andy Warhol’s Flower Candle and Ai Weiwei’s Sunflower seeds, the selection put together by the curators is varied and sophisticated, giving space both to renowned artists and upcoming talents.

Randy and Lawrence Sheer. © Federica Belli

Randy and Lawrence Sheer. © Federica Belli

Tish Rehill celebrating with her sisters. © Federica Belli

Tish Rehill celebrating with her sisters. © Federica Belli

As the attention to details does not stop to the exhibition, the crowd is selected to give rise to an upbeat atmosphere, promoting conversation and networking in a cocktail party right by the artworks, while encouraging guests to roam through the permanent collection of sculptures that makes the Reserve such a unique location.

Marty Cohen enjoying the art collection. © Federica Belli

Marty Cohen enjoying the art collection. © Federica Belli

Guests networking at the art auction. © Federica Belli

Guests networking at the art auction. © Federica Belli

Time flies by and it is not long before the party moves on to a sophisticated dinner, just a few steps away from the previous location. While the open-air tables quickly attract the visitors, the stage is ready to host Donna and Julian for their speech, wonderfully introduced by the melancholic exhibition of renowned piano player Benjamin Clementine.

Jack Lenor Larsen during his dinner speech. © Federica Belli

Jack Lenor Larsen during his dinner speech. © Federica Belli

To find out more about the initiatives of the LongHouse Reserve please click here.
For more information about Donna Karan’s creations click here.
To see Julian Schnabel’s work click here.

Book Review: Working Girls

Book Review: Working Girls

Art Out: Fresh 2019 Annual Summer Exhibition

Art Out: Fresh 2019 Annual Summer Exhibition