What do you call it when Zohran Mamdani, relational aesthetics, and Bob Ross walk into a bar? We call it Hyperallergic Halloween.
At Francis Kite Club on the Lower East Side last night, Wednesday, October 29, we had everything from superstars, such as a super-tall Andy Warhol quoting himself liberally, to scandal in the form of Madame X herself, shoulder strap faithfully slipping off one shoulder. And as you know, we’re always topical — case in point (or perhaps, casing the joint?), the Louvre thieves paid a visit fresh off their heist, baguette in tow. (A couple of bites of it were missing by the end of the night — call that karma.)
That’s right, we’re a bunch of Comedians here.
Editor-at-Large Hrag Vartanian — who’s now free for such hijinks since stepping down as Editor-in-Chief earlier this month — played emcee for the night. Dressed as what was at that point a blank canvas, he started off by introducing our new Editor-in-Chief, Hakim Bishara (dressed as an editor-in-chief for Halloween). And then, of course, we kicked off the main event: our costume contest!
Without further ado, the awards go to …
Best Overall: René Magritte’s “The Lovers” (1928)
If the applause was any indication, the stars of the show were definitely René Magritte’s “The Lovers” (1928). Finding love in New York City? In this day and age? You’re already a winner.
Craftiest Costume: Joan of Arc (Before She Burned)
That last parenthetical is quite crucial here — how else could we fully appreciate every last deranged detail of this costume? The bleeding heart? The sun emblem on the aluminum-foil sword and shield with which she defended France? Check out that shin armor, for god’s sake — just *chef’s kiss.*
Most Conceptual: Kazimir Malevich’s “White on White” (1918) and “Black Square” (1918)
Who else besides an art history professor could be behind this one? That’s Carol Ockman (thesis advisor to yours truly), and her partner, Peggy Waller, as Kazimir Malevich’s “White on White” (1918) and “Black Square” (1915). Fun art history fact (maybe): Malevich famously first exhibited the latter work in the corner of the room, the same spot a Russian Orthodox religious icon would normally be placed. I see two icons here.
Most Confusing: Relational Aesthetics
That’s our very own writer and comic artist, Noah Fischer, whom I’m told snipped off some extra fabric from his daughter’s Taro Boba costume (adorable) to transform into … relational aesthetics? That’s a deep cut (no pun intended), even for us. Well, most of us — it delighted News Editor Valentina Di Liscia, resident theory-head, who had this to say by way of “explanation”:
Now, onto some honorable mentions!
People’s Choice Award
I mean, need I say more? The people have literally spoken, and we want Zohran. Speaking of which, it’s not just spooky season but also election season — gallerist Will Chan wants you to get out and vote.
Most Creative Way to Get Here Award
Environmentally friendly, safety-conscious, creative — what more could you ask for?
Locked-In Award
Athletes sacrifice their bodies for their art. Staff Writer Isa Farfan sacrificed a lock of hair for hers.
Stole-the-Show (and Other Stuff) Award
Here’s Associate Director of Marketing Alex Bowditch, who brought her Louvre heist crew along, probably to gloat.
But who are the real thieves? Writer Erin Thompson, intrepid art crime professor, showed up with a very on-brand costume:
“In the future, everyone will be famous for 15 minutes,” Andy Warhol told us last night. Start the clock now, because everyone’s a winner here, whether or not you took home a prize.
We got crafty — see, for instance, the redheaded paper doll who pulled up in a blue dress and a Gucci bag.
I just love a costume perfectly tailored (ha!) to the writer. Here’s Julie Schneider, who writes so beautifully on textiles, flouncing about in a Matisse-inspired gown she sewed herself:
And here’s our own hyper-talented (I’ll stop …) Shari Flores with a very Dada-esque ensemble:
Haven’t you heard? Surrealism is back, y’all. Here’s Yayoi Kusama and her masterpiece (aka Di Liscia, who spent her lunch break gluing furniture pads onto this dress), with another Kusama for good measure.
Plus, more Magritte:
… and some other characters to round out the night. (Personally, I prefer bizarro world Jerry Saltz.)
Barbara Kruger showed up, with an interactive take on her “Untitled (It’s a small world but not if you have to clean it)” (1990):
… and oh. We do actually have someone to clean it?
Plus, some old friends, like the incomparable Bob Ross:
And some new ones? The Louvre thief acquainted herself with Phyllis Kao, Sotheby’s auctioneer extraordinaire, as well as Munch and Matisse:
What a night. Thank you all for coming, for reading, for being part of our community. See you at the next one?
