Last night London-based Colombian artist Oscar Murillo helped the ICA to raise over £100,000 at its annual fundraising event, Intercourse 3. Highlights of the event included the sale of one-off artist-led experiences such as an evening with Gilbert & George and a musical soiree with the artist Raqib Shaw. The event also gave ICA supporters the opportunity to own 12 original artworks by young and emerging artists who had previously shown as part of the ICA’s Bloomberg New Contemporaries exhibition in 2012.
An exciting mix of ICA patrons, artists, collectors, and gallerists were out in force to support the ICA. Creating buzz on the evening the artist crafted two unique works including a set of concrete balls cast on-site and a beautiful fabric work that has been central to his partnership with the ICA over the last few months. Limited edition menus flew off the tables and the bidding reached a crescendo with a framed work from his recent show at Carlos/Ishikawa going fast. Sotheby’s auctioneer Oliver Barker had the room gripped with his ever impressive technique. Throughout the night Oscar made work whilst inviting guests to join his on-stage VIP table where he served aguardiente – a powerful Columbian liquor.
I’m delighted to have collaborated with our special guest artist Oscar on this exceptional event which has proved an incredible success for the ICA. Oscar has been enormously generous and his warmth and vision have been the catalyst for an unforgettable fundraiser. – Gregor Muir, Executive Director ICA
The ICA supports radical art and culture. Through a vibrant programme of exhibitions, films, events, talks and debates, the ICA challenges perceived notions and stimulates debate, experimentation, creativity and exchange with visitors. Founded in 1946 by a group of artists including Roland Penrose, Peter Watson and Herbert Read, the ICA continues to support living artists in showing and exploring their work, often as it emerges and before others. The ICA has been at the forefront of cultural experimentation since its formation and has presented important debut solo shows by artists including Damien Hirst, Steve McQueen, Richard Prince and Luc Tuymans. More recently Pablo Bronstein, Lis Rhodes, Bjarne Melgaard and Juergen Teller have all staged key solo exhibitions, whilst a new generation of artists, including Luke Fowler, Lucky PDF, Hannah Sawtell and Factory Floor have taken part in exhibitions and residencies. The ICA was one of the first venues to present The Clash and The Smiths, as well as bands such as Throbbing Gristle. The inaugural ICA / LUX Biennial of Moving Images was launched in 2012, and the ICA Cinema continues to screen rare artists’ film, support independent releases and partner with leading film festivals. The ICA welcomes 400,000 visitors a year to its building on The Mall in the heart of London. The Director of the ICA is writer and curator Gregor Muir, author of Lucky Kunst.