May 2nd, 2011 
A lively group gathered around Kenji Aoki’s Blue Flower; a vibrant composition of velvety blue petals, photographed in a way that seemed to propel them off of their digital print canvas. Although the onlookers — an eclectic mix of designer dresses, bohemian-hipster outfits, and tailored suits — hovered only feet away, Blue Flower could be spotted from across the room.
Logo courtesy of japanrising.org
The scene was not unusual for Milk Studios, a photography space nestled on the edge of West 15 Street at 10th Avenue in the Meatpacking District. Its redbrick exterior houses an event gallery, with nine studios stretching over its 80,000 square foot facility. On that night, several hundred creative types would inhabit the space to attend Japan: Rising, a charitable social affair raising money for Japan relief.
Even on the invite, the night’s organizers speak passionately about their mission: to tap into a powerful creative network developed over 20 years, and provide them with a “positive and intimate platform” to support Japan in a way that feels authentic to their community.
The organizers are Mayumi Tatsuta and Ben Pruess, who with the help of Vice Magazine’s Erik Lavoie had a vision of bringing good people together for a fun night of giving back. Tatsuta, an associate creative director at Mcgarrybowen, had been longtime friends with Pruess. Pruess had worked as the vice president for Adidas Originals before taking post at Ransom Holding Co., Holden Outerwear, and Zound Industries. Together, they’ve managed to befriend many of the nation’s most sought after artistic talents.
For example there’s Martyn Thompson; an English-born, Sydney-raised designer/photographer whose portfolio includes work for Vanity Fair, British Vogue, Sony, Gucci, and Hermes. His Helmet was one of more than 75 pieces featured in the night’s silent auction, putting him in the company of photographers like Nigel Parry, Richard Phibbs, Sante D’Orazio, and Steve McCurry.
(Photo Credit: Tracey Lewis)
Each lot was worlds different than the next, some taking to mixed media (think corrugated cardboard and oil-painted surf fins) to tell their journeyed, introspective, and aspirational stories. Colorful collages and silkscreen illustrations stood out against the tall white backdrop of the gallery’s walls. Nearby observers shared opinions over Purity Organic cocktails; while others sampled treats from herb-n-peach in one hand, balancing a can of Sapporo in another.
Local DJ Matt Keys kept the atmosphere upbeat, as if the photography books – including one signed by Ann Leibowitz – displayed in a glass case in the middle of the gallery wasn’t entertaining enough. The mixed energy of interesting people and art in the room made it feel like a place you want to be. And perhaps, a place you’d like to be again in the future.
Japan: Rising was the first project for A Good Gathering: a high end, cause-based event company formed by Tatsuta and Pruess for the creative community. The invite-only event required a minimum donation of $20, with the night’s proceeds benefiting the Japan Society’s Earthquake Relief Fund.
For more information about A Good Gathering and their future projects, email info@agoodgathering.com.
I love the way this article started about AOKI’S image…..
we were proud to be part of this event ……
michaelASH
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