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Lighting & Color is ART is Color & Lighting

July 25, 2011

“Art After Dark“ is the Philadelphia Museum of Art’s annual gala organized by a dynamic group of young patrons dedicated to exceptional art and cultural education. This year’s gala was named “Vivid” in tribute to the Roberto Capucci special exhibit that was on display this Spring at the museum. The exhibit celebrated the forward-thinking Italian fashion designer and artist noted for his inventive construction, liberal use of color and creative layering of textures. Worn by the likes of Marilyn Monroe and Gloria Swanson, Capucci’s creations have also influenced younger designers including Ralph Rucci.

Eventions, along with other local artists, professionals and performers, was called upon to create a dynamic event that reflected Capucci’s passionate love of architecture, color and fabric as seen through his incredible haute couture fashion design. An artist after our own hearts, one gown he designed was made up of 25 different shades of red to resemble the flames in a fire.

Live models provided by Saks Fifth Avenue greeted guests as they entered the Museum and were invited to a cocktail reception in Lenfest Hall which we had bathed in color washes. Guests strolled through the exhibit halls enjoying champagne poured by living statues and past spandex-covered models created by Sandy O of Creative Juice. As guests continued to mingle they were treated to a wide selection of stylish passed hors d’oeuvres served on colorful platters from Stephen Starr Events.

As guests continued upstairs into the Great Stair Hall they were mesmerized by the dramatic transformation we had created. We suspended 2,500 square feet of fabric over the entire area to form a “soft ceiling” that allowed us to project layers of vibrantly-colored light that changed and morphed as the night progressed. In fact, we used a total of 16 moving lights and LED color changing fixtures to constantly change the look of the room according to carefully choreographed timeline.

On the stairs below the soft ceiling the Museum placed multiple mannequins dressed in Roberto Capucci gowns. The stairs, the mannequins, the walls and the ceiling of the space were lit with ambient, directional and atmospheric lighting to provide contrast and spotlighting effects.

An Italian-inspired dinner by Stephen STARR Events included short ribs, seared salmon, roasted eggplant and mushroom penne. A romantically-lit modern lounge area served to create comfortable residential-style seating areas, meandering live models dressed in Capucci gowns, and a spirited live auction offered additional entertainment.

After the live auction an aerial performance in the Great Hall surprised the guests but didn’t keep them from staying to enjoy dancing under the soft ceiling and mini desserts served on the “skirts” of the live models.