On November 14th, 2024, the Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum, the Frank Lloyd Wright architectural masterpiece and UNESCO Heritage Site, held its annual International Gala, which this year became rebranded as Under the Oculus: a Night Celebrating Visionaries. 275 of New York City’s art and philanthropy leaders celebrated the career of pioneering artist, Carrie Mae Weems as well as Jack and Susy Wadsworth, the arts champions that have been largely responsible for the expansion of Guggenheim as an international force in the art world.

With the launch of the new branding of their fall gala, Under the Oculus, guests were greeted with the never before seen illumination of the famed glass oculus of the museum. The oculus morphed from deep blues to glowing ambers while the parapet walls were drenched in projections of coordinating colorful geometries inspired by the current exhibition’s theme of Harmony and Dissonance: Orphism in Paris, 1910–1930. This visual smorgasbord during the cocktail hour, found guests grooving through the exhibition set to a soundtrack by the fiery international DJ, Mei Kwok.

As guests were seated for the three-course dinner at tables of deep blue with sculptural and colorful florals, they were mesmerized by the sultry vocals of Esabalu to begin their dining experience. The evening received an exclamation point as dessert was served, with the electrifying powerhouse performer, Amber Mark. The honorees’ remarks by Ms. Weems and the Wadworth’s left guests feeling a sense of urgency and a call to action to the vitality of the arts through their empathetic and powerful messages.

JN designed and produced the entire event from the tablescape designs to the stunning lighting ambiance as well as the immersive video projections on the museum ramps – all created in collaboration with JN's community of NYC as well as international collaborators. The design of the evening was praised by editors, curators, and attendees alike - for its elevated style and artistry. The evening raised 2.3 million dollars to support the Guggenheim’s commitment to exhibition programming, education, research initiatives, and publications.