SFMOMA Hosts Rollicking Art Bash Featuring New Andy Warhol Show

The Method X SFMOMA Glass For Good gif booth

Photo Credit: Arthur Kobin for Drew Altizer Photography

Last week, almost 2,200 people descended on SFMOMA for a creative and art-filled fiesta. Art Bash, the museum’s biennial fundraiser—that takes place every other year, opposite SFMOMA’s Modern Ball—was an exciting, lively, and unique event. The entire museum, all seven floors, was filled with revelers enjoying the exhibits, food, drink, and art-inspired activities.

Photo Credit: Drew Altizer

Local art world insiders like Yves Behar, Neal Benezra, Sabrina Buell, and Pamela Joyner attended a multi-course sit-down dinner before while others such as power couple, Mathilde Froustey and Mourad Lahlou, showed up early for a VIP reception at In Situ. The party didn’t get into swing until around 9 p.m. when all the guests were allowed free rein of the exhibits.

JR sits on his mobile studio at the event

Photo Credit: Drew Altizer

For art lovers, there were two not to be missed exhibitions. The first was French artist JR’s The Chronicles of San Francisco. The first-floor mural features black and white photographs of 1200 locals, from school children to drag queens to homeless people, all jammed together into a collage. The resulting work is supposed to be a snapshot of city life in 2018. It’s a compelling and provocative piece that everyone should experience. For the party, JR’s mobile studio was set up on the alley outside SFMOMA. Guests were invited to snap a photo, and the oversized images were pasted on to the street wall that faces the museum.

Barry McGee and Cimi Ahluwalia pose in front of Warhol

Photo Credit: Drew Altizer

The second exhibit was Andy Warhol—From A to B and Back Again—a comprehensive collection of iconic and lesser-known works from the famed artist. According to SFMOMA’s programming, the exhibition reconsiders his work in a modern light and introduces his engagement with social issues through artwork to a new generation of museum-goers. Judging by the number of photo shoots that were happening throughout the exhibit, Warhol’s work is still incredibly relevant today.

Photo Credit: Drew Altizer

Other highlights of the party included a disco with a live band, a digital dance floor where DJ A-Trak performed, a dance show featuring Nick Cave’s Soundsuit Invasions, and several photo booths including a fun one that felt like a contemporary carnival’s hall of mirrors.

Photo Credit: Drew Altizer

The party was prime for people watching, and some of the city’s best-dressed socials brought their A-game. Komal Shah dazzled in a neon yellow acrylic fringe Prada dress, Dr. Carolyn Chang stunned in a silver halter mini dress by Missoni, and Nicole Lacob resembled a pop star in metallic sequined leggings.