Oscar Wilde once advised that, "one should either be a work of art, or wear a work of art.” MTV Re:Define took this advice to heart, blending world-class art seamlessly with the well-dressed attendees. One of the most defining art galas in Dallas, Re:Define seamlessly combines a night of joy and art with a great cause, and this year it was a moving tribute to the late George Michael.
MTV Re:define 2017 held a record-breaking auction and sold-out at the Dallas Contemporary for its sixth anniversary. Over $2.7million was raised from the evening to generate awareness for HIV and AIDS prevention through MTV Staying Alive Foundation, as well as to provide funding for arts education and programming through Dallas Contemporary. Curated by Neville Wakefield, the impressive lineup included works by Mark Quinn, Damien Hirst, Tracey Emin, Ian Davenport, Bernar Venet, Richard Phillips, Boris Mikhailov, Ross Bleckner, and Ilya & Emilia Kabakov.
The evening, featuring an exclusive performance by ten-time Grammy Award winning songstress Chaka Khan, was hosted by Joyce Goss and Kenny Goss, and chaired by Maxine Trowbridge with Jerome Sans and CJ Jones serving as Art Chairs and Oli Barrett as MC to benefit the MTV Staying Alive Foundation and Dallas Contemporary. Iconic American painter, sculptor, and printmaker Eric Fischl was this year’s artist honoree, and esteemed fashion designer Johnson Hartig was recognized for his contributions to art and fashion.
The live auction, conducted by Christie’s President Brook Hazelton, saw many works sold over their estimates, including a commissioned work by Mark Quinn selling for $300,000 and a touching portrait of the late George Michael by Damien Hirst going to a very lucky bidder for $580,000. Following the main event, the inaugural MTV Re:Define Afterparty was held in the exhibition space. DJ Johnny Boy Hartig teamed up with DJ Dilettante to provide a high-energy set which had everyone dancing within minutes.
Over the years, MTV Re:Define has come to be known for showcasing some of the best contemporary art from all around the world while supporting two important causes. We hope to see you there next year!