Issue link: http://papercitymagazine.uberflip.com/i/1510301
T here's a notable lack of pretense a t t h e D a l l a s C o n t e m p o r a r y — a quality that lends itself to the n o n - c o l l e c t i n g institution's cutting-edge reputation in the art world. It surely helped lure in artist and activist Shepard Fairey, who hosted his first Texas solo exhibition at the 37,000-square-foot industrial building in the Dallas Design District in 2022. It was also evident throughout every moment of the 2023 Dallas Contemporary Gala, a fabulously unfussy affair where the substance was often intentional style. Guests were welcomed with shots of chilled Lalo tequila into the Design District museum's deep-blue world — a jewel-toned nod to the Contemporary's sapphire anniversary (45). The Midnight Rambler team slung inventive cocktails as guests perused the pieces up for auction, which included works by Sarah Awad, Trevor Paglen, Pedro Reyes, Sarah Miska, Alex Katz, and Eduardo Sarabia. Natural floral installations by Jackson Durham dotted the gala landscape, while a large-scale projection of one of Tramaine Townsend's ethereal dance films enveloped seated dinner guests. Newly anointed Dallas Contemporary executive director Carolina Alvarez- Mathies kicked off dinner with a speech acknowledging the museum's previous directors, many of whom were in attendance. By Caitlin Clark. Photography Tamytha Cameron Celeste Cass, and Explordinary Press. Contemporary Creatives (Continued) 1. 3. 6. 5. 7. 8. 4. 2. 58