The Creative and Cultural Crowd Flocked to the 2022 Whitney Gala

At this year’s Whitney Museum of American Art Gala, Thelma Golden, the director of the Studio Museum in Harlem, Susan Hess, a distinguished Whitney trustee, and artist Glenn Ligon were all honored. So it makes the utmost sense that the room was filled with a wide-ranging cultural crowd there to celebrate the artistic trio. There were celebrities from Seth Meyers and Karlie Kloss, artists from Maurizio Cattelan to Rashid Johnson, as well as fashion world figures like Carolina Herrera’s Wes Gordon. Everyone, it seemed, wanted to celebrate those who both create, and support the American artistry, especially after a long two years where the museum’s ability to do so was hampered by a global pandemic.

During cocktail hour, guests milled about the museum’s various exhibition floors to see the works of the 2022 Whitney Biennial: “Quiet as It’s Kept.” Dinner was held in a colorful room created by David Stark Design, the stand-out element were banners with poetry stanzas hanging from the ceilings designed by the artist Renee Green; guests dined on a spring vegetable salad with truffle snow and Chilean seabass. High-profile speeches dominated the night: legendary art writer Bob Colacello gave a speech introducing Hess (The Whitney; he reminded the crowd, has always had its finger on the cultural pulse, giving Andy Warhol a retrospective before he died.) Hilton Als sang the praises of Ligon. Meanwhile, actor and playwright Anna Deavere Smith spoke about her dear friend Golden. Then came a surprise announcement that Jason Derulo took the stage. He sang his hits from “Wiggle” to “Riding Solo” and even broke out in an operatic performance.

Afterward, those looking to continue the evening headed to Genesis House for the late-night Studio Party. Below, see the photos from the artistic affair.