Printed Matter’s 50th Anniversary Benefit Dinner Celebrated Artist Ed Ruscha

Printed Matter, the leading non-profit dedicated to artists’ books, celebrated its 50th anniversary with a benefit dinner in honor of American Pop Art pioneer Ed Ruscha. The gathering began with cocktails in the courtyard of the High Line Hotel before transferring to a dinner in the refectory, part of Vanderbilt University at Chelsea Square, that was flavorfully imagined by chef Paul Marocco and inspired by ‘Squeeze Me: Lemon Recipes & Art’ (the collaborative cookbook by Ruscha and Ruthie Rogers of The River Café). From Joan Jonas’ thoughtful tribute to the legacy of Printed Matter co-founder Pat Steir to Lucinda Childs and Anton Batagov’s performance drawn from Philip Glass’ ‘Einstein on the Beach,’ the culturally rich occasion also welcomed the voices of AA Bronson, Lesley A. Martin, Paul Mpagi Sepuya, Yusuf Hassan, Christophe Cherix, and more. Ruscha himself rose to the stage and regaled guests. The celebratory engagement swept into a vibrant musical set by DJ Taraka—capped off with amaro from Nonino Distilleries.