Energy vibrated off the walls at Sotheby’s Contemporary Curated reception as music icons, visionary artists and celebrated collectors toasted music mogul and collector Kaseem Dean, aka Swizz Beatz, this season’s curator. The mood buzzed as guests sipped cocktails while scoping out Swizz’s sale favorites including a vivid Kehinde Wiley, a large-scale Faith Ringgold canvas and a pivotal Kerry James Marshall study. DJ Runna spun hits throughout the night, emanating through Presenting Partner Bang & Olufsen’s iconic Beoplay A9 speakers in a special Blank Canvas edition, produced in the a limited quantity of ten. In attendance was Alicia Keys, the award-winning singer and producer, who celebrated the exhibition and her husband Swizz Beatz’s curation. “A very powerful vision has been created in these rooms and everyone that is here is part of that vision,” she said. Late into the evening, amid a bevy of onlookers, Swizz made his closing remarks saying, “I’m very grateful for this evening, to be here with so many amazing people, an eclectic group of artists, influencers, creatives of all kinds – and to see this night happen in partnership with Sotheby’s. Tonight marks the beginning of a real partnership between artists and Sotheby’s.” To see highlights from the night, click ahead.
