Out & About
This article is from the archive of The New York Sun before the launch of its new website in 2022. The Sun has neither altered nor updated such articles but will seek to correct any errors, mis-categorizations or other problems introduced during transfer.
The gathering of the artists, dealers, and collectors at the Dia Art Foundation’s gala last week also served as an informal summit on Dia’s future, with the foundation’s new chairwoman, Nathalie de Gunzburg, its chief facilitator.
“The art world in Chelsea has evolved. Galleries provide more opportunities for artists,” Ms. de Gunzburg said by way of explaining the board’s decision not to go forward with building a museum on the High Line.
“We look forward to reinventing Dia’s presence in New York City,” she added, providing reassurance that the success of Dia Beacon would not cause it to leave the place where it began.
Ms. de Gunzburg then addressed the reality that any plan will take money. “One thing is certain: you can rely on hearing more from us,” she said. “Your support is vital for Dia’s return to New York City.”
The mood of the event was subdued but hopeful, tentative but not bumbling. The former director, Michael Govan, who left Dia for the Los Angeles Museum of Contemporary Art, and his wife, Katherine Ross, were warmly welcomed, even though the Dia board will be hard pressed to develop a clear direction until it identifies a new head. The deputy director, Laura Raicovich, and curator Lynne Cooke, both spoke comfortably at the podium.
The location of the event, at 7 World Trade Center, on the 52nd floor, provided guests ample opportunity to gain perspective on Dia’s issues and more. The allglass walls provided 360-degree views of the cityscape. Susan Holland’s minimalist event décor — soft, yellow light was the main element — let the views take center stage, pushing guests toward the edges of the room.
And what of the unconventional Dia holding an event in a large office tower? This seemed fitting, in part because of its location near the Hudson River, geographically aligned with the Beacon outpost 59 miles upstream, and also because of the large site-specific contemporary art work in the building: a Jeff Koons sculpture outside, and a Jenny Holzer installation in the lobby. That commerce is supporting such work should hold meaning for Dia as it thinks about how to fulfill its mission in the city.
One element was comfortingly familiar: the good food by caterer Olivier Cheng, which included poached quince with walnuts and greens, braised organic chicken with saffron onions and dates, and roasted chestnut puree with chocolate almond meringue.
The event for 400 guests raised more than $550,000 for the foundation.
