Swizz Beatz, Nick Cave, and KAWS Come Out for the Brooklyn Artists Ball

Installations inspired by Frida Kahlo transformed the museum’s Beaux-Arts Court

Four people standing in front of a vibrant floral mural, each wearing colorful and patterned outfits.
From left: Carla Shen, Olivia Song, Julia Chiang, and KAWS. Photo: Benjamin Lozovsky, BFA

Around 600 well-heeled guests from the worlds of art, music, business, and philanthropy headed to the Brooklyn Museum on Tuesday night for the eighth annual Brooklyn Artists Ball. The evening was a wildly festive soiree honoring artist Nick Cave, who is known for his wondrous Soundsuits, which blend fashion and sculpture, as well as Bank of America. As always, the fête included many notable artists, among them Mickalene Thomas, Kasseem Dean (better known as Swizz Beatz), JR, and Brian Donnelly (KAWS).

A dinner and silent auction kicked off the evening and later guests mingled in the museum’s Beaux-Arts Court for the after-party, which celebrated Mexican artist Frida Kahlo. A show of her personal objects, “Frida Kahlo: Appearances Can Be Deceiving” is on view at the museum through May 12. Brooklyn-based artist Olek created an interactive knitting environment, and leading guests to dinner were Puppet Kitchen’s Frida and Diego characters along with a small group of female mariachi singers.

Recommended: Take a First Look at Frida Kahlo’s Personal Collection

As she welcomed guests to the event, the Brooklyn Museum’s director, Anne Pasternak, called it “one of the hottest museums on the planet.” Apparently, it is, as the gala brought in over $1.9 million, which will support the museum’s exhibition and education programs. See a selection of images from the event below:

A person in a stylish dark suit with shiny sleeves standing in a vibrant, festive setting with colorful ceiling decorations.
Nick Cave was honored during the eighth annual Brooklyn Artists Ball. Benjamin Lozovsky, BFA

Elegant event in a grand hall with colorful decorations, a large crowd seated at tables under vibrant banners and chandeliers.
The scene at dinner during the Brooklyn Artists Ball. Benjamin Lozovsky, BFA

Performers in colorful traditional attire, one playing guitar, another singing, with a tall figure in a vibrant dress beside them.
A musical performance during the cocktail hour. Benjamin Lozovsky, BFA

Four people standing in front of a colorful floral mural, wearing vibrant and fashionable outfits.
From left: Carla Shen, Olivia Song, Julia Chiang, and KAWS. Benjamin Lozovsky, BFA

Two people posing and smiling at a formal event with elegant attire and a softly lit background.
Mickalene Thomas and Racquel Chevremont. Benjamin Lozovsky, BFA

Recommended: Why Collectors Flock to SculptureCenter’s Annual Art Raffle

Person in vibrant, colorful crocheted outfit surrounded by intricate, multi-colored crochet patterns and designs.
Agata Oleksiak, known as Olek, with her knitted installation. Benjamin Lozovsky, BFA

Two men posing at a festive event with colorful flags in the background. One wears a hat, the other sunglasses and a red flower.
KAWS and JR. Benjamin Lozovsky, BFA

Two DJs in a lively club setting with purple lighting, one speaking into a microphone and the other raising a hand.
Swizz Beatz performed a live DJ set during the night. Benjamin Lozovsky, BFA