The Gordon Parks Foundation Annual Awards Dinner and Auction

On June 4th, Cipriani's cavernous hall was graced with joyous conversation, stunning guest regalia, and incredible artists across the creative spectrum. This event commemorated the 20th anniversary of Gordon Park’s historical photograph A Great Day in Hip Hop with guests like QuestLove, Fab 5 Freddy, Fat Joe and Slick Rick in attendance to re-stage the scene. The Gordon Parks Foundation is a group dedicated to preserving the works of the late artist, Gordon Parks, along with furthering his vision for the empowerment of growing artists.

Widely considered the most influential African-American photographer of the last hundred years, Gordon Parks work documented American poverty through the unique lens of elevated humanity and dignity. From his early work with the Farm Security Administration (FSA) to his photo essays on Harlem Gang Leader Red Jackson, Park’s ability to humanize what popular media had demonized set him far above his contemporaries at the time.

The Gala kicked off with a showcase of Park’s work followed by a dinner and awards ceremony. Guests were able to chat and sip cocktails while gradually progressing around the gallery space. Each work amalgamated small groups of attendees who spoke of the history and composition admiringly. The gelatin based photo prints, some presenting Park’s most notable work, could be bid on and bought to support the foundations ongoing initiatives.

With guests of honor like Raf Simons, Kehinde Wiley and Chelsea Clinton mingling amongst many other honorable attendees, one would be pressed to have missed this incredible turn-out.