Phillips de Pury & Company
9 Howick Place
London SW1

The 2008 Annual Gala Dinner & Auction was held on February 26th. Phillips de Pury & Company generously hosted and sponsored the dinner at their new state-of-the-art auction house in London’s Victoria.

Under the leadership of BFAMI Chairman Anthony Brown, the Gala was co-chaired by Janice Atkin and Muriel Salem. The Live Auction, which comprised of ten contemporary works, was conducted by Simon de Pury. A further 44 works were successfully bid for in the silent auction. Artists who donated works included Zadok Ben David, Ori Gersht, Yinka Shonibare, Martin Creed, and Mark Quinn.

This year’s theme was Chain Reaction and curator Cathy Wills put together an inspiring collection of contemporary works to benefit the BFAMI charity. Chain Reaction reflects how artists create their vision by involving or interacting with science. The artists show an interest in experimental processes, and an awareness of digital media as well as an apprectiation of light, space and movement. The title also suggests the development of the artists’ career within the art world – from fledgling student to stellar museum exhibitor.