Written by By Megan Rose Dickey, CNN
Pop sensation Lorde performed at the 2019 Guggenheim Gala in New York this past week, as part of the museum’s celebration of philanthropist Natalia Veselnitskaya.
“It’s my first time here in New York in four years. Yeah, it was so great,” said Lorde, speaking to press backstage ahead of her performance.
Lorde was among the many luminaries present at the gala this year, which took place at the fairytale-like Frank Gehry-designed museum. Hosted by philanthropist Suzanne and philanthropist José Antonio Lauría, the event raised nearly $20 million to support the Guggenheim’s “Art + Activism: Art and Cooperation” program. Lorde also performed alongside Rising Star artist Toyama Esawa, who made his first public appearance since being named as part of a lawsuit in February.
“I’m so nervous,” said the artist, who sported minimal makeup for the occasion. “I’ve had a lot of personal things going on.” He mentioned his court case and also the murder of famed modern art dealer Antoine Koenig.
“It’s been a few months now, and I’m still trying to take it all in,” he said. “I just want to be here for Eva Herzigova, one of my favorite models of all time.”
Model Eva Herzigova and artist Toyama Esawa pose for a portrait ahead of the Guggenheim Gala at New York’s Frank Gehry-designed Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) on June 8, 2019. Credit: Shara Tibken/CNN
Among the many stars in attendance for the event were among the wealthiest philanthropists in the world. Honorees were global executive Laurene Powell Jobs, philanthropist Peter Brant and multi-cultural rights advocate Polina Ivanova.
Comedian Louis C.K. was also in attendance, as was actress Marcia Gay Harden. More than 1,200 people were in attendance.