NEW YORK — New York’s art week kicked off last night as hundreds of collectors, gallerists, artists, and more filled the Park Avenue Armory for the Art Dealers Association of America Art Show 2012 Gala Benefit Preview to Benefit Henry Street Settlement. The high-profile crowd included street artist KAWS; artist Sarah Sze, who was recently named the U.S. representative for the 2013 Venice Biennale; philanthropists Eli and Edythe Broad; “Dexter” actress Jennifer Carpenter; dealer Amalia Dayan; and event chair and collector Agnes Gund.



Near the entrance, attendees stopped to check out Donald Baechler’s special edition rose print and commence silent bidding on pieces by artists including Scott Mead, Kit Keith, and Spencer Gregory, before walking through the expansive space to admire works from 72 galleries, like Cindy Sherman’s 1976 “Murder Mystery” photo collages at Metro Pictures, Elliott Hundley’s sparkling abstracts at Regen Projects, and Sze’s 2012 sculpture “Disappearing Act” at Tanya Bonakdar Gallery. Waiters served wine and partygoers munched on small bites like macaroni-and-cheese squares and dumplings at hors d’oeuvre stations throughout the fair’s 24th edition. 



At the Pace Gallery booth, Japanese artist Yoshitomo Nara presented a selection of drawings that sold out in two hours for his premiere showing with the blue-chip establishment. “They’re very separate for me,” Nara told ARTINFO through a translator when asked about the differences between drawing, painting, and sculpting. “I never make a drawing as a base for a painting. I never do a painting for a sculpture. For me, drawing is the one I love the most and it’s very distinct.” And why drawings for his Pace debut? “I really want to bring out the best works later,” said Nara, who is gearing up for a summer solo show of new works (including his first bronze sculpture) at Japan’s Yokohama Museum of Art.

Overall, a good beginning for the busy art-filled week ahead.

Click on the slide show to see guests at the ADAA Art Show 2012 Gala Benefit Preview to Benefit Henry Street Settlement.