Believe It by Hank Willis Thomas

Aperture’s 2010 Benefit and Auction print list features an eclectic roster of established and emerging artists who have or are making their mark in contemporary art. Included in this year’s Silent Auction, Aperture is pleased to present an exciting recent work by artist Hank Willis Thomas. Thomas, whose critically acclaimed monograph Pitch Blackness was released by Aperture in 2008, is perhaps best known for his internationally exhibited series Unbranded which deconstructs the representation of African Americans in advertisements made over a forty year span. Thomas’ newest body of work Fair Warning emerged from the making of Unbranded and highlights the visual dynamics of cigarette ads aimed at an African American audience whom have been historically disproportionately targeted by the tobacco industry. The images in Fair Warning are re-appropriated by Thomas using the same technique as Unbranded, logos are removed, text is left in snippets that transform intention juxtaposed with the model’s nonchalant hand gestures sans cigarettes and a consideration of the depiction of blackness being marketed.

Hank Willlis Thomas is also co-chairing Aperture’s first ever SNAP! Benefit Party which will follow the annual Benefit and Auction dinner along with Carolyn Francis and Giovanni Tomaselli of Polaroid, sponsor of SNAP! Hosted by Aperture’s SNAP! Young Patrons Program, this event will include an Emerging Artists Auction, the music stylings of DJs AJ Slim, Tim Barber of Tinyvices.com and Jeannie Hopper of LiquidSoundLounge.com and ARTonAIR.org, special raffle prizes and a tasty buffet of light bites.

Click here for more information and to purchase tickets to the SNAP! Benefit Party

Click here for more information and to purchase tickets to the Benefit and Auction dinner

Click here to view the Auction Catalog. Online bidding starts on October 18.

Morrissey ruined my life, 2009 by Adam Krause

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November 1st is Aperture’s 2010 Benefit and Auction. This year immediately following the Benefit will be the first ever SNAP! Benefit Party. Hosted by SNAP! The Aperture Foundation Young Patrons Program, this event is an exciting addition to the evening. Co-chaired by artist Hank Willis Thomas, Carolyn Francis and Giovanni Tomaselli of Polaroid, sponsor of SNAP!, there will be a silent auction of works by emerging artists including Jen Davis, Adam Krause, LaToya Ruby Frazier, Will Steacy, among others. The event will be spun by downtown fixtures, special guest DJs AJ Slim, Tim Barber of Tinyvices.com and Jeannie Hopper of LiquidSoundLounge.com and ArtOnAir.org. Featuring a raffle and a chance to win a number of luxury prizes, SNAP! Benefit Party will both be a celebration for Aperture artists, friends and patrons as well as a chance to support Aperture’s many valuable programs.

Click here for more information about the SNAP! Benefit Party and to buy your ticket

Click here for more information about Aperture’s 2010 Benefit and Auction

Click here to preview the Auction print list online. Online bidding on silent auction items begins October 18th!

Detail from Untitled, 2008 by Richard Misrach

Mark your calendar’s for Aperture’s 2010 Benefit and Auction and help us salute luminaries in the field of photography. This year’s honorees include photographer Richard Misrach; collector and philanthropist Steven Ames; and gallerist Julie Saul. The event will be co-chaired by Sondra Gilman and Celso Gonzalez-Falla. Our first-ever benefite party, hosted by SNAP!, Aperture Young Patrons Program, will be co-chaired by Carolyn Francis, artist Hank Willis Thomas, and Giovanni Tomaselli of Polaroid, sponsor of SNAP!

Monday, November 1, 2010

The Lighthouse at Chelsea Piers

Proceeds from Aperture’s Benefit, Auction, and Party are essential for maintaining the quality of Aperture’s publications, exhibitions, and education programs. Join us!