Fundraising, Futurism, and Fashion | The MOCA Gala 2024, Presented by Bvlgari

On April 13th, The Museum of Contemporary Art held its annual fundraising gala in collaboration with Bvlgari. The celebration commenced in Little Tokyo’s Geffen Contemporary at MOCA, ushering in an enchanting evening of expressive effervescence. Creative Direction was helmed by Los Angeles’ own Max Hooper Schneider, who curated whimsy beyond wildest dreams within a space that straddled the natural and the alien. His installation, World Without End, immersed guests in a dynamic ecosystem, populated by fantastical beings perched amongst a field of synthetic plant life. Moody, obsidian florals graced tablescapes and life-sized, unworldly figurines sported petrified coral, succulents, and animal bones in place of human skulls.

“MOCA has supported and celebrated artists and their singular ways of seeing the world since the museum was founded 45 years ago, and our collaboration with Max Hooper Schneider for this year’s Gala is no exception, as he explores the eternal metamorphosis of all matter, asking the question: what if? This questioning of possibilities resonates with MOCA’s dedication to artists who are forward-thinking while grappling with the conditions of our times, placing the spirit of radical creativity at the heart of this year’s Gala,” said Johanna Burton, The Maurice Marciano Director.

Attendees were summoned into the ambiance by the sonorous melodies of the Makoto Taiko drum ensemble, an atmospheric welcome foretelling a gastronomic and visual feast. On the visionary stage set by Hooper Schneider, three-time GRAMMY-winning artist St. Vincent serenaded guests after the dinner reception, honorary speeches, and bespoke raffle, prefacing the festive fete to follow.

The afterparty greeted guests under a gargantuan cluster of disco balls, centered above a misty lagoon reminiscent of a volcano letting off steam, threatening explosion, though serenely. The rêve of a reservoir, never losing its transcendental touch thanks to a designated dry ice chucker (an autograph of Hooper Schneider’s mystical world-building). Bvlgari’s signature serpentine styles were displayed amongst the art, just as worthy an artifact, alongside a collection of their most sensational gems. As a continuation of their tireless philanthropic pursuits and commitment to sharing beauty through different forms, Bvlgari’s support throughout the evening epitomized their championing of the artistic vision, cementing the house’s Los Angeles presence, where they intend to expand heartily in the coming years. Sips, provided by Casa Dragones, were savored alongside passed sliders and fries (pre-ketchup-ed, of course).

Kilo Kish and Kitty Ca$h spun DJ sets at the usual ticket booth, moonlighting as a turntable-slash-dais on this glamorous evening. The evening, an opulent lighthouse of culture in a society that’s quickly eschewing the tradition of glamour, encouraged extravagant ensembles, braving the elements in the mercurial LA climate. Sequins, feathers, chiffon, and trains: drizzle be damned! As the night wound down, healthily before midnight (this is high society, not the Sahara tent), couture-clad flaneurs meandered appraisingly (both of the art and the attire, I like to imagine) amidst the night’s featured exhibits, of which they were privy to an exclusive preview of MOCA’s upcoming headliners. Paul Pfeiffer: Prologue to the Story of the Birth of Freedom interrogates the concept of spectacle. MOCA Focus: Eddie Rodolfo Aparicio marks the relaunch of the gallery’s Focus series and presents an artist’s first solo museum show in Los Angeles. Both exhibitions are on view to the public at The Geffen Contemporary at MOCA through June 16, 2024.