The Knows Have It: ICA LA’s INCOGNITO Art Sale Returns

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For years, there were few events as hotly anticipated in the Los Angeles art world than the Santa Monica Museum of Art’s INCOGNITO benefit art sale. All of the pieces — contributed by artists, emerging and established — were displayed anonymously; all the pieces were similarly priced; and, the artist’s identity was revealed only after the sale had been finalized. It was a treasure hunt, a lottery and a chance to test your art smarts all rolled into one exciting evening. The possibility that you’d walk away with a piece worth many times what you paid for it was a bonus. 

The museum, now rechristened the Institute of Contemporary of Art, is reviving this exciting tradition in celebration of its first anniversary in its new home in the Arts District. A who’s who of contemporary artists have contributed 400 original works in 12 x 12 inch format — all priced at $500 (plus tax). The party — and sale — will take place on Saturday, September 8th.

Participating artists include: Carmen Argote, Lauren Halsey, Rosha Yaghmai (who were all included in this year’s Made In LA at The Hammer), Laddie John Dill, Alexandra Grant, Konstantin Kakanias, Karen Kimmel, Norm Laich, Catherine Opie, Eddie Ruscha, Kenny Scharf, Cole Sternberg, Carrie Mae Weems, William Wegman, Bari Ziperstein, Charles Gaines, Patrick Martinez, Lari Pittman, Gala Porras-Kim, Simon Haas, Ry Rocklen, Vanessa Prager, Amanda Ross-Ho, Betye Saar, Brian Lotti, Jen Stark and B. Wurtz (who work will be on view at ICA LA starting Sept 30). Check out the full list here.

Attendees — from aficionados to first-time collectors, artists, and art enthusiasts—are encouraged to trust their instincts in guiding their selections. To up the ante even further, Platinum, Gold, and Silver ticket buyers have the opportunity to attend PRECOGNITO, an exclusive preview of the artworks on Friday, September 7th. For more information to purchase tickets, click here.

ICA LA, 1717 East 7th Street, Los Angeles, CA 90021, 213-928-0833 (free admission every day)