Buzz Over Transformative Artist Pushes the Nasher Prize Gala to New Heights: This Party Brings Profound Wows

The evening of the Nasher Prize Gala — the culmination of a year’s worth of lauding this year’s laureate, Chicago artist Theaster Gates — whispers of Gates’ presence floated through the Nasher Sculpture Center. Many, including Nasher Sculpture Center director Jeremy Strick, described him as a “profoundly transformative artist.”

Others, especially those who attended Gates’ Nasher Prize Town Hall conversation the day prior, declared that hearing Gates speak was comparable to listening to a prophet.

Nancy Nasher called him one of the most dynamic artists living today. And Christen Wilson, who co-chaired the 2018 Nasher Prize with husband Derek Wilson, went off-script during her pre-dinner remarks, to address Gates directly.

“I feel like I am a better person walking on the planet with you on it,” she said.

All variations of praise were certainly warranted, as Gates’ work reaches far past the realm of traditional sculpture — with monumental examples of community development and urban planning, exploration of racial disparity, and an intense interest in collecting objects and materials, all woven into his multidisciplinary oeuvre.

Gates, whom we first met earlier this year during a reception in Chicago, brought his oeuvre to the party. After receiving his Renzo Piano-designed award from Nancy Nasher, it was Gates’ turn to respond to the accolades of his inspirational work.

“Sistaaaaaa Nancy!” he said, thanking the prize’s namesake, before humbly pondering the largesse of the moment. “I don’t know why I’m up here,” he said, pointing out his admiration and idolization of past Nasher Prize laureates Doris Salcedo and Pierre Huyghe.

“I’m not satisfied with myself. I’m not satisfied with this world. I just want to do more. And I pray tonight we are all able to do more — that we all do a little bit more than what we might want to do.”

Indeed, Gates’ presence has no doubt inspired us to think more deeply about the larger communal impact of art, but this night was still a party — and the celebratory mood was alive and well. After dinner, guests paraded from the garden tent into the Nasher’s downstairs gallery, where cocktails continued and the mood took on a late-night vibe.

From laureate to gala, the 2018 Nasher Prize will be a tough one to top.

On the scene: Cindy and Howard Rachofsky, Alfonso Montiel, Lauren Embrey, Brian Bolke and Faisal Halum, Matrice Ellis Kirk and Ron Kirk, Cris Worley and Erick Swenson, Donna Wilhelm, Lara Harrison, Erin Cluley, Nic Nicosia, Jennifer and John Eagle, Margie Reese, Vicki Meek, Mike Rawlings, Natalie and Michael Sorrell, Sofia Bastidas, Kyle Hobratschk, Janelle and Alden Pinnell, and Lee Cullum.