The Power Ball 21 Club Event Embodied Avant-Garde Opulence
Jana Pijak — June 11, 2019 — Art & Design
References: powerball21
The Power Ball 21 Club event was hosted inside Toronto's The Power Plant Contemporary Art Gallery last week and welcomed a crowd of local art lovers, notable taste makers and influencers. The event's gallery venue was transformed into an immersive environment inspired by "an illicit speakeasy." It consisted of Instagrammable rooms brought to life by partnering sponsor Holt Renfrew and a lineup of renowned and emerging local artists.
In addition to Holt Renfrew's neon runway, the event featured a black light and neon tape bar by artist Bruno Billio who enlarged his famous Tron209 room for guests along with Canadian emerging artist Sarah Zanchetta's Sweet Digs installation -- created in partnership with Bumble Bizz.
Other notable activations included Mexican artist Chelsea Culprit's Tru Bruja installation and Max Streicher’s inflatable sculptures 'Sleeping Giants.' Additionally, Tobaron Waxman of the Intergenerational LGBT Artist Residency curated a series of show-stopping performances by Carlotta Carlisle, Tynomi Banks, Flarington King, Gay Jesus, Dainty Smith and Imogen Quest.
"Since it began in 1999, Power Ball has thrived as an ambitious fundraising event that provides vital funds to support our exhibitions and free public programs. Known as Toronto’s most notorious art party, Power Ball has set the standard as one of the most influential and vibrant art galas," said Gaetane Verna, the Director of The Power Plant Contemporary Art Gallery while also speaking about the event's 21st birthday and the inspiration behind this year's theme.
"For Power Ball: 21 Club, presented by Holt Renfrew, we’ve transformed the entire gallery space into an illicit speakeasy where guests come into the shadows with us for a night of revelry by way of an immersive art experience with contemporary art projects and performances by a diverse gathering of local and international artists, along with the best in food and cocktail–all for one (late) night only. This will be the 21st edition of the event and we were inspired by how we find creative ways to do things, we’re told we’re not allowed to do. 21 Club makes reference to the most infamous speakeasy from the 20’s but with our signature contemporary spin."
Image Credit: George Pimentel Photography
In addition to Holt Renfrew's neon runway, the event featured a black light and neon tape bar by artist Bruno Billio who enlarged his famous Tron209 room for guests along with Canadian emerging artist Sarah Zanchetta's Sweet Digs installation -- created in partnership with Bumble Bizz.
Other notable activations included Mexican artist Chelsea Culprit's Tru Bruja installation and Max Streicher’s inflatable sculptures 'Sleeping Giants.' Additionally, Tobaron Waxman of the Intergenerational LGBT Artist Residency curated a series of show-stopping performances by Carlotta Carlisle, Tynomi Banks, Flarington King, Gay Jesus, Dainty Smith and Imogen Quest.
"Since it began in 1999, Power Ball has thrived as an ambitious fundraising event that provides vital funds to support our exhibitions and free public programs. Known as Toronto’s most notorious art party, Power Ball has set the standard as one of the most influential and vibrant art galas," said Gaetane Verna, the Director of The Power Plant Contemporary Art Gallery while also speaking about the event's 21st birthday and the inspiration behind this year's theme.
"For Power Ball: 21 Club, presented by Holt Renfrew, we’ve transformed the entire gallery space into an illicit speakeasy where guests come into the shadows with us for a night of revelry by way of an immersive art experience with contemporary art projects and performances by a diverse gathering of local and international artists, along with the best in food and cocktail–all for one (late) night only. This will be the 21st edition of the event and we were inspired by how we find creative ways to do things, we’re told we’re not allowed to do. 21 Club makes reference to the most infamous speakeasy from the 20’s but with our signature contemporary spin."
Image Credit: George Pimentel Photography
Trend Themes
1. Immersive Art Experiences - Disruptive innovation opportunity: Creating interactive art installations that transport attendees into immersive environments.
2. Partnerships with Artists - Disruptive innovation opportunity: Collaborating with renowned and emerging local artists to bring unique experiences to events and activations.
3. Fusion of Art and Technology - Disruptive innovation opportunity: Integrating technologies, such as neon lights and black light bars, into art installations to enhance audience engagement.
Industry Implications
1. Event Planning - Disruptive innovation opportunity: Incorporating immersive art experiences into event planning services to create unforgettable guest experiences.
2. Art Galleries - Disruptive innovation opportunity: Transforming gallery spaces into interactive environments to attract a wider audience and enhance engagement with art.
3. Fashion Retail - Disruptive innovation opportunity: Partnering with artists to create unique immersive experiences in retail spaces, attracting customers and enhancing brand image.
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