BENT: WORLD PRIDE'S 50TH

On the eve of the 50th anniversary of the Stonewall Uprising Sotheby’s hosted a daylong program in support of works informing the LGBTQ experience, BENT. . Led by LA Artist Jwan Yosef, the event was officially sanctioned by WorldPride with a portion of proceeds donated to The Center, which provides programs for health, wellness and connection for New York’s LGBTQ community.

The afternoon began with two discussions by the Kinsey Institute, whose unparalleled collection of art, literature, film, and objects relating to human sexuality totals nearly half a million. Dr. Justin Garcia, the institute’s Research Director, and a Scientific Advisor to Match.com, led a talk on LGBTQ+ dating in America. Rebecca Fasman, the institute’s Curator, then discussed their collection’s history as a repository for items that were once perceived as dangerous due to their non-cisgender nature. These included extraordinary objects, such as the earliest recorded erotic book, as well as their extensive collection of works by George Platt Lynes, a lesser known but highly important photographer who influenced Herb Ritts and Robert Mapplethorpe.

The day continued with a performative tour of the BENT. exhibition led by New York City-based artist Ryan McNamara, whose NSFW interpretation of the sale’s works left no guest’s cheeks blush-free. The evening concluded with a reception and preview performance by Shantell Martin, who along with some help from the audience, produced a new work to be offered in the sale.