It is a truth universally acknowledged that the highest form of patronage is the commissioning of an artwork—and this was certainly the overriding message at last night’s launch of the Whitechapel Gallery’s Commissioning Council. This new venture aims to provide funds for the gallery’s on-going programme of specially made works by artists both from the UK and across the globe.
The international reach of the Whitechapel’s mission was underlined by the evening being hosted by gallery trustee Catherine Petitgas, who is also one of the world’s leading collectors of art from Latin America. And because of this, the gathered throng of potential donors had the added bonus of being able to admire top class works by the likes of Gabriel Orozco, Vik Muniz, Hélio Oiticica et al lining her Knightsbridge home. The Latino theme continued throughout the evening when Brazilian artist Rivane Neuenschwander—the latest recipient of the Whitechapel’s annual Children’s Commission—discussed her work with east London school children and the virtues of the commissioning process with Whitechapel director Iwona Blazwick. Then, in a final flourish, the festivities were rounded off with a Bahian feast produced by a chef from the Brazilian state, with Mrs Petitgas urging her guests to become part of the Whitechapel’s “pioneering spirit”. She also extolled the benefits of the spicy cuisine, assuring the immaculately groomed throng that “it is sexy to have fingers smelling of garlic.”