The Bite Magazine - Autumn/Winter 2023 - Issue 34

bitegala they gathered for cocktails in the golden glow of Chris Bur- den's Urban Light sculpture, the 202 vintage street lamps pre- siding over the festivities. Beautifully dressed stars embraced one another, old friends and new connections uniting as ac- tors mingled with artists, directors laughed with musicians, and the buzz grew for what was sure to be an incredible night. The style was impeccable and diverse, from JLo's plunging Ralph Lauren dress to Billie Eilish's voluminous Gucci gown, matching the multiplicity of creative pursuits represented. Most appropriately for an event blending visual arts and film, Gucci served as presenting sponsor, designing custom ap- parel for honoured guests and co-chairs. Art+Film Gala host committee chair Sabato De Sarno joined Gucci CEO Marco Bizzarri and President Susan Chokachi to host the event, un- derscoring the luxury brand's commitment to multi-discipli- nary creativity. As the sun set over the Los Angeles skyline, guests moved into an ethereal open-air pavilion construct- ed explicitly for the evening by innovative architect Kulapat Yantrasast. His stunning structure hovered gracefully over Michael Heizer's epic Levitated Mass boulder sculpture, mirroring how artists and filmmakers defy gravity through groundbreaking creativity. Celebrating Pioneers Over Dinner As guests took their assigned seats, they were treated to a spe- cially prepared dinner by Chef Mattia Agazzi of Gucci Osteria and the Patina Restaurant Group. Seasonal ingredients were thoughtfully paired with wines by JUSTIN Winery to stimu- late creative conversation around the tables. LACMA Direc- tor and CEO Michael Govan welcomed the crowd alongside Eva Chow, re-emphasising LACMA's expanded commitment to film within its curatorial vision. He then invited guests to celebrate two daring creators who have redefined the bound- aries and impact of their respective mediums—the pioneer- ing artist Judy Baca and equally revolutionary director David Fincher. The video tribute to Baca underscored her role as a legend in socially engaged public arts. She was honoured as the ‘God- mother of Murals' for her iconic, collaborative works in com- munities across LA and beyond. Accepting the recognition on stage, Baca generously thanked her many collaborators for decades of “painting memories on walls” - participants from all walks of life united through creativity and storytelling to uplift overlooked histories. Actor and activist Eva Longoria presented the video homage to Baca, reminding audiences how art and film can drive awareness around social issues. In presenting the award to David Fincher, global superstar Brad Pitt praised his friend for radically changing contem- porary cinema through dark, psychologically complex thrill- ers. Ranging from Seven to Fight Club to The Social Network, Fincher's filmography intrigues mass audiences with antihe- roes that reflect society's shadows. In his speech, the vision- ary auteur humbly emphasised filmmaking's collaborative es- sence, thanking LACMA for recognising him amongst such a phenomenal company pushing creative boundaries across disciplines. After honouring Baca and Fincher's remarkable careers in driving social change and electrifying audiences, LACMA Director Michael Govan invited guests to enjoy a unique mu- sical surprise outside the pavilion. Actress and singer Jennif- er Lopez built hype as she introduced none other than the legendary Lenny Kravitz, who was welcomed with rapturous cheers. Bathed in moody purple light, Kravitz launched into an electrifying 75-minute set under the stars, flowing seam- lessly through hits like ‘Fly Away’ and ‘American Woman’. Kravitz took fans through a musical time machine from the ‘60s through today, culminating in a stirring extended ver- sion of ‘Here to Love’ that brought the A-list crowd to their feet. The Prestigious Guest List United by Creativity Beyond gala co-chairs Eva Chow and Leonardo DiCaprio, attendees included leading art world luminaries alongside Hollywood, fashion, and music icons. LACMA trustee and museum co-chair Elaine Wynn joined fellow board members like Allison Berg, artist Ed Ruscha, and Ford Foundation President Darren Walker. Significant artists in attendance ranged from pioneers like Larry Bell and Charles Gaines to fast-rising talents like Genevieve Gaignard and Lauren Halsey. They mingled with actors from veterans like Jane Salma Hayek Pinault Julia Garner Sofia Boutella Jean-François Palus Jodie Comer